An Introduction to Computer Simulation

Computer simulation is increasingly used in physics and engineering to predict the probable outcome of experiments and to aid in their interpretation. The methods of simulation are based on a range of numerical techniques for treating ordinary and partial differential equations. Since much of physics can be broken down into a relatively small set of fundamental equations, a few general methods can be widely applied. This text aims to give an introduction to those methods suitable for readers at an undergraduate level and for those studying the subject for the first time at the graduate level. The methods are illustrated with simple programs and problems. The book covers a range of material not available in other introductory texts. For every mathematician working with complex physic tests and a limited budget, this book can be useful. Unfortunately I am just a modeler of simple discrete event simulations, so for me this book was not very useful. Except for the first chapter that tells a little about different simulation methods, the book mainly contains very technical examples of interesting physical experiments. Through the whole of the book, lots of functions are included, which seem generic for any kind of proof with atoms or light differentiation. But in my opinion, the book does not add any value to persons that want to know how they can improve their tests using computer simulation in general. Computer simulation is increasingly used in physics and engineering to predict the probable outcome of experiments and to aid in their interpretation. This text for undergraduates illustrates the basic techniques with numerous simple programs and problems drawn from a wide range of disciplines Computer simulation of experiments in physics and engineering is a rapidly growing area of science. This text is an introduction, suitable for undergraduates, to the important methods used in this field.