Learning objectives
The student will be introduced to the elements of numerical analysis in a proctical way, bases on the language MATLAB. Some elementary problems in classical mechanics are used as case studies - pendulum with variable lenght, oscillations of atoms in a simple molecule, the dynamics of the Solar System. MonteCarlo estimate of integrals in spaces of high dimension is also treated by using C and GSL.
Prerequisites
Calculus, elements of programming
Course unit content
Application of Numerical Analysis to the solution of elementary problems in Classical Physics (Mechanics)
Full programme
Classical Mechanics, the laws of motion, techniques for the solution of ordinaty differential equations: Euler, Leapfrog, Runge-Kutta. Application to the simple pendulum, with or without friction, with variable length, the problem of three bodies and the eccentricity of the Moon;s orbit, the dynamics of the Solar System ; small oscillations for molecules (Ammonia, Methane)
Bibliography
The teacher distributes his lecture notes
Teaching methods
Practical experiments on the computer in the Lab and at home
Assessment methods and criteria
Final report on the results obtained on a specific project
Other information
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