Аннотация

This book contains an extensive illustration of use of finite difference method in solving the boundary value problem numerically. A wide class of differential equations has been numerically solved in this book. Starting with differential equations of elementary functions like hyperbolic, sine and cosine, we have solved those of special functions like Hermite, Laguerre and Legendre. Those of Airy function, of stationary localised wavepacket, of the quantum mechanical problem of a particle in a 1D box, and the polar equation of motion under gravitational interaction have also been solved. Mathematica 6.0 has been used to solve the system of linear equations that we encountered and to plot the numerical data. Comparison with known analytic solutions showed nearly perfect agreement in every case. On reading this book, readers will become adept in using the method.

Аннотация

The book contains a detailed account of numerical solutions of differential equations of elementary problems of Physics using Euler and 2nd order Runge-Kutta methods and Mathematica 6.0. The problems are motion under constant force (free fall), motion under Hooke's law force (simple harmonic motion), motion under combination of Hooke's law force and a velocity dependent damping force (damped harmonic motion) and radioactive decay law. Also included are uses of Mathematica in dealing with complex numbers, in solving system of linear equations, in carrying out differentiation and integration, and in dealing with matrices.