ENGR 3703 Computational Methods of Engineering

Fall 2005

Department of Physics and Engineering

University of Central Oklahoma

Course Description

This course introduces general-purpose numerical methods and linear algebra concepts for solving problems in science and engineering. Students should develop an understanding of the strengths and limitations of standard numerical techniques applied to problems in engineering, such roots of nonlinear equations and systems of linear equations. The course will also cover numerical differentiation and integration, initial-value and boundary-value problems. The course will also discuss concepts and methods of scientific and engineering computing, mathematical modeling, and engineering design.

Prerequisites

ENGR 1213, PHY 2014, and MATH 3103 or concurrent enrollment.

Textbooks

Numerical Methods for Engineers, 5/E, Steven C. Chapra and Raymond P. Canale, ISBN: 0-07-310156-7, McGraw-Hill, 2006.

Students may also use the 4^th Edition of the text listed above, but will have to get copies of homework problems.

Objectives

The student will be able to

• Demonstrate understanding of basic programming skills, and algorithms.

• Demonstrate understanding of the engineering software design process.

• Demonstrate understanding of significant figures, accuracy, precision, and error.

• Demonstrate understanding of bracketing and open root-finding techniques.

• Demonstrate understanding of numerical solution of linear and non-linear algebraic equations.

• Demonstrate understanding of least-squares curve-fitting techniques and interpolation schemes.

• Demonstrate understanding of numerical differentiation.

• Demonstrate understanding of numerical integration.

• Demonstrate understanding of Eulers's methods and improvements on Euler's methods for solution of ordinary differential equations.

• Demonstrate understanding of the Runge-Kutta methods for solution of ordinary differential equations.

• Participate in a team design project that incorporates computational tools, including report preparation and a project presentation.

• Demonstrate understanding of the use of software to solve engineering problems and the necessity to use factors of safety for protection of the public.

• Demonstrate understanding that computational methods are fast-changing and that continuous education and training will be necessary in this field throughout a career.

Calculator

You must own a scientific calculator – see the list of allowed calculators for exams in the Department of Physics and Engineering. Please bring your calculator to class for each meeting.

Engineering Paper

Engineering Paper -- available from the UCO bookstore, Thompson's Bookstore, and Triangle A&E at Broadway Ext. and 63rd. Please use engineering paper for all homework assignments.

Internet & E-mail

Access to the Internet and ability to send and receive E-mail. If you do not have a computer at home you can use machines on the UCO campus: Look at

http://technology.ucok.edu/support/microcomplab.htm

for a full list of available general use computers on campus.

Portable Electronic Devices (including cell phones)

Please turn off any portable electronic devices (esp. cell phones) during class. You may not access any portable electronic device during exams except calculators that are on the approved list for Physics and Engineering courses.

Instruction Techniques

Lecture will be used predominantly although sometimes recitation periods will be employed.

Class Polices

Attendance is not required, but you will responsible for any announcements or notes from class (and quizzes).

Attendance is mandatory for all exams or other graded activities (e.g. project competitions or presentations).

Cheating or academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated.

Homework

Working HW problems in a timely manner is the best way to do well on exams and in the class as a whole. Homework is due at the beginning of the class period on the due-date or due-day. Homework should be neatly written on only one side of your paper, folded length-wise with your name written on the outside of the folded pages before turning it in. Each problem should fit all of the following criteria: clearly labeled, one problem per sheet of paper, legible and organized. HW papers that do not fit these criteria will be penalized accordingly. See the attached HW Format section for details on the presentation of HW problems. You may also visit the following site for an electronic version of the homework format requirements:

http://engrphys.lemley.org/courses/hwk_format.php

Each HW problem you turn in is worth ten points. Some problems will be graded on detailed solutions and others will be graded on effort. I will not tell you ahead of time which or how many problems will be graded relative to a detailed solution, but on the returned and graded HW paper a check mark next to the problem number will indicate full effort (or ten points) and a numerical score (e.g. 8/10) next to the problem number will be used on those problems under more scrutiny.

Project

There will be Team Design Projects in this course. Projects will constitute a significant portion of your grade. More information will be given to you as project assignments are made.

Grading Policies

The following table shows the breakdown of credit for the course.

Tentative Grading Scale

90-100% -- A, 80-90% -- B, 70-80% -- C, 60-70% -- D, <60% -- F

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET / SYLLABUS ATTACHMENT

See separate handout or go to:

http://engrphys.lemley.org/courses/fall_2005_syllabus_attachment.pdf