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Mathematical Modeling and Engineering Problem Solving

This document discusses mathematical modeling and engineering problem solving. It explains that a mathematical model represents a system using a functional relationship between dependent and independent variables. It then provides examples of computational simulations that can be used to model complex engineering problems, such as computational fluid dynamics and particle physics simulations. The document also contrasts analytical and numerical solutions for modeling a falling parachutist, showing that numerical methods are needed for complex models and smaller time steps minimize error.

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Ezlan Harith
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201 views11 pages

Mathematical Modeling and Engineering Problem Solving

This document discusses mathematical modeling and engineering problem solving. It explains that a mathematical model represents a system using a functional relationship between dependent and independent variables. It then provides examples of computational simulations that can be used to model complex engineering problems, such as computational fluid dynamics and particle physics simulations. The document also contrasts analytical and numerical solutions for modeling a falling parachutist, showing that numerical methods are needed for complex models and smaller time steps minimize error.

Uploaded by

Ezlan Harith
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 1

Mathematical Modeling and Engineering


Problem solving
• Requires understanding of engineering systems
– By observation and experiment
– Theoretical analysis and generalization
 A mathematical model is represented as a functional
relationship of the form

Dependent independent forcing


Variable =f variables, parameters, functions

 Dependent variable: Characteristic that usually reflects the


state of the system
 Independent variables: Dimensions such as time and space
along which the systems behavior is being determined
 Parameters: reflect the system’s properties or composition
 Forcing functions: external influences acting upon the
system
Computers are great tools, however,
without fundamental understanding of
engineering problems, they will be
useless.
 Engineering Simulations
Finite Difference Method (FDM)
Finite Volume Method (FVM)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)


Molecular Dynamics
Particle Physics
N-Body Simulations
Earthquake simulations
Weather Simulation
Development of new products and performance improvement

Benefits of Simulations
Cost savings by minimizing material usage.
Increased speed to market through reduced product development time.
Optimized structural performance with thorough analysis
Eliminate expensive trial-and-error.
The Engineering
Problem Solving
Process
Newton’s 2nd law of Motion

 “The time rate change of momentum of a body is equal


to the resulting force acting on it.”

 Formulated as F = m.a
F = net force acting on the body
m = mass of the object (kg)
a = its acceleration (m/s2)

 Some complex models may require more sophisticated


mathematical techniques than simple algebra
◦ Example, modeling of a falling parachutist:

FU = Force due to air resistance = -cv (c = drag coefficient)


FD = Force due to gravity = mg
dv F • This is a first order ordinary differential equation.
=
dt m We would like to solve for v (velocity).

F = FD + FU • Analytical Solution:

FD = mg If the parachutist is initially at rest (v=0 at t=0),


using calculus dv/dt can be solved to give the result:
FU = −cv
dv mg − cv
=
dt m
Independent variable
Dependent variable
dv c
=g− v gm
dt m v(t ) =
c
1− e (
−( c / m )t
)
Forcing function Parameters
Analytical Solution

gm If v(t) could not be solved analytically, then


v(t ) =
c
(
1 − e −( c / m )t ) we need to use a numerical method to solve it

g = 9.8 m/s2 c =12.5 kg/s


m = 68.1 kg

t (sec.) V (m/s)
0 0
2 16.40
4 27.77
8 41.10
10 44.87
12 47.49
∞ 53.39
Numerical Solution

dv ∆v v(ti +1 ) − v(ti ) dv ∆v
≅ = ........ = lim
dt ∆t ti +1 − ti dt ∆t →0 ∆t

v(ti +1 ) − v(ti ) c
= g − v(ti )
ti +1 − ti m

This equation can be rearranged


to yield
c
v(ti +1 ) = v(ti ) + [ g − v(ti )](ti +1 − ti )
m
t (sec.) V (m/s)
0 0 ∆t = 2 sec
2 19.60
4 32.00
8 44.82 To minimize the error, use a smaller step
10 47.97
size, ∆t
No problem, if you use a computer!
12
10 49.96
∞ 53.39
Analytical vs. Numerical Solution

m=68.1 kg
c=12.5 kg/s
g=9.8 m/s ∆t = 2 sec ∆t = 0.5 sec ∆t = 0.01 sec

t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s)


0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 2 19.60 2 17.06 2 16.41
2 16.40 4 32.00 4 28.67 4 27.83
4 27.77 8 44.82 8 41.95 8 41.13
8 41.10 10 47.97 10 45.60 10 44.90
10 44.87 12 49.96 12 48.09 12 47.51
12 47.49 ∞ 53.39 ∞ 53.39 ∞ 53.39
∞ 53.39

gm c
v(t ) =
c
(
1 − e −( c / m )t ) v(ti + 1) = v(ti ) + [ g − v(ti )]∆t
m

CONCLUSION: If you want to minimize the


error, use a smaller step size, ∆t

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