Math 116: Numerical methods for PDEs and waves

Alex Barnett, Fall 2008, Tu and Th 10:00-11:50am (10A), Kemeny 201

2D scattering from sound-soft obstacle

Rapid progress in computer power and numerical algorithms in recent decades has revolutionized science and technology. The Laplace equation (describing steady-state diffusion, heat flow, electrostatics) and Helmholtz equation (linear waves, acoustics, electromagnetics, optics, quantum) are linear PDE boundary value problems, ubiquitous in modeling the real world. They may be solved numerically by recasting the problem onto the boundary; this is more efficient at short wavelengths (and easier to code) than standard discretization methods. You will build codes, analyse their errors, and later explore phenomena in wave scattering and quantum chaos (short-wavelength asymptotics). You will learn some of the deep mathematics required to understand the success and efficiency of modern algorithms. Course Flyer

Admin: Office hours M 3-4pm, F 2-3 pm. Our course TA and coding coach is Jon Brown, who runs the X-hour 3pm Wed.
Consider the following Matlab classes, if you like to learn in a group (the 1st is a bit late to help, but the 2nd looks useful)

Lecture notes, topics, readings, worksheets, codes

Lecture notes are my own rough scribbles; brackets [NLA] etc refer to books, as listed in the syllabus document

Student homework websites

Final student projects

Project topic ideas list. Final writeups due 9am Wed Dec 10. Course grades based on 60% HW, 40% project.