Math 229: Mathematical Modeling (Spring 2012)

(4587)
"You cannot understand the physical world in any deep or satisfying way without using mathematical reasoning." -- R. P. Feynman

This course will present an introduction and survey of mathematical models for problems in the applied sciences and engineering. The real-world problems, coming from areas like mechanical systems, control theory, bio-chemical reactions, and heat transfer will be formulated as idealized mathematical models. Equations will be derived from first principles in geometry, physics and the calculus of variations. Mathematical techniques such as nondimensionalization, perturbation analysis, and self-similar solutions will then be introduced to simplify the models and yield insight into the underlying problems.

Prerequisites

Some background in solving ordinary and partial differential equations [(Math 104 and 131) or (Math 107 and 108)], basic physics/mechanics, multivariable calculus [Math 103].

Schedule

Wed/Fri, 2:50-4:05pm, Room 119 Physics Building

Instructor

Thomas Witelski, Associate Professor, Dept of Math
Office: Room 295 Physics Building

Office hours

(Tentative) Tuesdays, 10:00am-1:00pm, Room 295 Physics, or by email request for an appointment for other times.

Textbook

Problem sets

Course materials and web links

  • Computer access: Duke OIT VPN (set Dept to "Library Resources Only")

    Reference books