This down-to-earth introduction to computation makes use of the broad array of techniques available in the modern computing environment. A self-contained guide for engineers and other users of computational methods, it has been successfully adopted as a text in teaching the next generation of mathematicians and computer graphics majors.
This book offers an introduction to computer programming, numerical analysis, and other mathematical ideas that extend the basic topics learned in calculus. It illustrates how mathematicians and scientists write computer programs, covering the general building blocks of programming languages and a description of how these concepts fit together to allow computers to produce the results they do. Topics explored here include binary arithmetic, algorithms for rendering graphics, the smooth interpolation of discrete data, and the numerical approximation of non-elementary integrals. The book uses an open-source computer algebra system called Maxima. Using Maxima, first-time programmers can perform familiar tasks, such as graphing functions or solving equations, and learn the basic structures of programming before moving on to other popular programming languages. The epilogue provides some simple examples of how this process works in practice. The book will particularly appeal to students who have finished their calculus sequence.
This book offers a new approach to introductory scientific computing. It aims to make students comfortable using computers to do science, to provide them with the computational tools and knowledge they need throughout their college careers and into their professional careers, and to show how all the pieces can work together. Rubin Landau introduces the requisite mathematics and computer science in the course of realistic problems, from energy use to the building of skyscrapers to projectile motion with drag. He is attentive to how each discipline uses its own language to describe the same concepts and how computations are concrete instances of the abstract. Landau covers the basics of computation, numerical analysis, and programming from a computational science perspective. The first part of the printed book uses the problem-solving environment Maple as its context, with the same material covered on the accompanying CD as both Maple and Mathematica programs; the second part uses the compiled language Java, with equivalent materials in Fortran90 on the CD; and the final part presents an introduction to LaTeX replete with sample files. Providing the essentials of computing, with practical examples, A First Course in Scientific Computing adheres to the principle that science and engineering students learn computation best while sitting in front of a computer, book in hand, in trial-and-error mode. Not only is it an invaluable learning text and an essential reference for students of mathematics, engineering, physics, and other sciences, but it is also a consummate model for future textbooks in computational science and engineering courses. A broad spectrum of computing tools and examples that can be used throughout an academic career Practical computing aimed at solving realistic problems Both symbolic and numerical computations A multidisciplinary approach: science + math + computer science Maple and Java in the book itself; Mathematica, Fortran90, Maple and Java on the accompanying CD in an interactive workbook format
Over recent years, developments in statistical computing have freed statisticians from the burden of calculation and have made possible new methods of analysis that previously would have been too difficult or time-consuming. Up till now these developments have been primarily in numerical computation and graphical display, but equal steps forward are now being made in the area of symbolic computing: the use of computer languages and procedures to manipulate expressions. This allows researchers to compute an algebraic expression, rather than evaluate the expression numerically over a given range. This book summarizes a decade of research into the use of symbolic computation applied to statistical inference problems. It shows the considerable potential of the subject to automate statistical calculation, leaving researchers free to concentrate on new concepts. Starting with the development of algorithms applied to standard undergraduate problems, the book then goes on to develop increasingly more powerful tools. Later chapters then discuss the application of these algorithms to different areas of statistical methodology.
Computer Science and Scientific Computing contains the proceedings of the Third ICASE Conference on Scientific Computing held in Williamsburg, Virginia, on April l and 2, 1976, under the auspices of the Institute for Computer Applications in Systems Engineering at the NASA Langley Research Center. The conference provided a forum for reviewing all the aspects of scientific computing and covered topics ranging from computer-aided design (CAD) and computer science technology to the design of large hydrodynamics codes. Case studies in reliable computing are also presented. Comprised of 13 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to the use of the hierarchical family concept in the development of scientific programming systems. The discussion then turns to the data structures of scientific computing and their representation and management; some important CAD capabilities required to support aerospace design in the areas of interactive support, information management, and computer hardware advances as well as some computer science developments which may contribute significantly to making such capabilities possible; and the use of symbolic computation systems for problem solving in scientific research. Subsequent chapters deal with computer applications in astrophysics; the possibility of computing turbulence and numerical wind tunnels; and the basis for a general-purpose program for finite element analysis. Software tools for computer graphics are also considered. This monograph will be of value to scientists, systems designers and engineers, and students in computer science who have an interest in the subject of scientific computing.
Geosciences particularly numerical weather predication, are demanding the highest levels of computer power available. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, with its experience in using supercomputers in this field, organizes a workshop every other year bringing together manufacturers, computer scientists, researchers and operational users to share their experiences and to learn about the latest developments. This volume provides an excellent overview of the latest achievements and plans for the use of new parallel techniques in the fields of meteorology, climatology and oceanography.
