University of Oxford Logo University of OxfordDepartment of Computer Science - Home

Numerical Solution of Differential Equations I:  2009-2010

Information

Lecturer

Degrees

Schedule B2Honour School of Computer Science

Schedule B2Honour School of Mathematics and Computer Science

2008: Michaelmas TermMSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

Term

Overview

To introduce and give an understanding of numerical methods for the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, their derivation, analysis and applicability.

The MT lectures are devoted to numerical methods for initial value problems, while the HT lectures concentrate on the numerical solution of boundary value problems.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

Synopsis

The MT part of the course is devoted to the development and analysis of numerical methods for initial value problems. We begin by considering classical techniques for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations. The problem of stiffness is then discussed in tandem with the associated questions of step-size control and adaptivity.

Initial value problems for ordinary differential equations: Euler, multistep and Runge-Kutta; stiffness; error control and adaptive algorithms. [Introduction (1 lecture) + 5 lectures]

The remaining lectures focus on the numerical solution of initial value problems for partial differential equations, including parabolic and hyperbolic problems.

Initial value problems for partial differential equations: parabolic equations, hyperbolic equations; explicit and implicit methods; accuracy, stability and convergence, Fourier analysis, CFL condition. [10 lectures]

Syllabus

Initial value problems for ordinary differential equations: Euler, multistep and Runge-Kutta; stiffness; error control and adaptive algorithms.

Initial value problems for partial differential equations: parabolic equations, hyperbolic equations; explicit and implicit methods; accuracy, stability and convergence, Fourier analysis, CFL condition.

Reading list

The course will be based on the following textbooks: