Introductory Computational Physics

Computers are one of the most important tools available to physicists, whether for calculating and displaying results, simulating experiments, or solving complex systems of equations. Introducing students to computational physics, this textbook reveals how to use computers to solve mathematical problems in physics and teaches students about choosing different numerical approaches. It also introduces students to many of the programs and packages available. The book relies solely on free software: the operating system chosen is Linux, which comes with an excellent C++ compiler, and the graphical interface is the ROOT package available for free from CERN. "This textbook covers the essentials of traditional and modern fluid dynamics, i.e., the fundamentals of and basic applications in fluid mechanics and convection heat transfer with brief excursions into fluid-particle dynamics and solid mechanics. Specifically, the book can be used to enhance the knowledge base and skill level of engineering and physics students in macro-scale fluid mechanics (see Chapters I-V), followed by an introductory excursion into micro-scale fluid dynamics (see Chapters VI-X). Clearly, most of Chapters I-X could be taught in one course to honours-level seniors and first-year graduates. A Solutions Manual to the assigned book problems will be provided." "This work evolved primarily out of industrial demands and post-graduate expectations, because a fine knowledge base in modern fluid dynamics is important, focusing on novel application areas such as microfluidics, mixture flows, fluid-structure interaction, biofluid dynamics, thermal flows, and fluid-particle transport. Building on courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics as prerequisites as well as on a junior-level math background, a differential approach is most insightful to teach the fundamentals in fluid mechanics, to explain traditional and modern applications on an intermediate level, and to provide sufficient physical insight to understand results, later on generated with useful CFD software." "Pedagogical elements include a consistent 50/50 physics-mathematics approach when introducing new material, illustrating concepts, showing flow visualizations, and solving problems. The problem solution format strictly follows the pattern of system sketch, assumptions, and concept/approach before starting the solution phase which consists of symbolic math model development (Appendix A), numerical solution, graphs, and comments on "physical insight". After some illustrative examples, most solved text examples have the same level of difficulty as suggested homework, quiz, test, and/or exam problems. The ultimate goals are that the more serious student can solve basic fluid dynamics problems independently, can provide physical insight, and can suggest, via a course project, system design improvements."--Jacket This textbook covers essentials of traditional and modern fluid dynamics, i. e., the fundamentals of and basic applications in fluid mechanics and convection heat transfer with brief excursions into fluid-particle dynamics and solid mechanics. Specifically, it is suggested that the book can be used to enhance the knowledge base and skill level of engineering and physics students in macro-scale fluid mechanics (see Chaps. 1–5 and 10), followed by an int- ductory excursion into micro-scale fluid dynamics (see Chaps. 6 to 9). These ten chapters are rather self-contained, i. e., most of the material of Chaps. 1–10 (or selectively just certain chapters) could be taught in one course, based on the students'background. Typically, serious seniors and first-year graduate students form a receptive audience (see sample syllabus). Such as target group of students would have had prerequisites in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics, where Part A would be a welcomed refresher. While introductory fluid mechanics books present the material in progressive order, i. e., employing an inductive approach from the simple to the more difficult, the present text adopts more of a deductive approach. Indeed, understanding the derivation of the basic equations and then formulating the system-specific equations with suitable boundary conditions are two key steps for proper problem solutions. Computers are one of the most important tools available to physicists, whether for calculating and displaying results, simulating experiments, or solving complex systems of equations. Introducing students to computational physics, this textbook, first published in 2006, shows how to use computers to solve mathematical problems in physics and teaches students about choosing different numerical approaches. It also introduces students to many of the programs and packages available. The book relies solely on free software: the operating system chosen is Linux, which comes with an excellent C++ compiler, and the graphical interface is the ROOT package available for free from CERN. This broad scope textbook is suitable for undergraduates starting on computational physics courses. It includes exercises and many examples of programs. Online resources at www.cambridge.org/0521828627 feature additional reference information, solutions, and updates on new techniques, software and hardware used in physics. pt. I. Fluid dynamics essentials. Review of basic engineering concepts ; Fundamental equations and solutions ; Introductory fluid dynamics cases pt. II. Conventional applications. Internal flow ; External flow pt. III. Modern fluid dynamics topics. Dilute particle suspensions ; Microsystems and microfluidics ; Fluid-structure interaction ; Biofluid flow and heat transfer ; Computational fluid dynamics and system design.