Science and engineering students depend heavily on concepts of mathematical modeling. In an age where almost everything is done on a computer, author Clive Dym believes that students need to understand and "own" the underlying mathematics that computers are doing on their behalf. His goal for Principles of Mathematical Modeling, Second Edition, is to engage the student reader in developing a foundational understanding of the subject that will serve them well into their careers. The first half of the book begins with a clearly defined set of modeling principles, and then introduces a set of foundational tools including dimensional analysis, scaling techniques, and approximation and validation techniques. The second half demonstrates the latest applications for these tools to a broad variety of subjects, including exponential growth and decay in fields ranging from biology to economics, traffic flow, free and forced vibration of mechanical and other systems, and optimization problems in biology, structures, and social decision making. Prospective students should have already completed courses in elementary algebra, trigonometry, and first-year calculus and have some familiarity with differential equations and basic physics. Serves as an introductory text on the development and application of mathematical models Focuses on techniques of particular interest to engineers, scientists, and others who model continuous systems Offers more than 360 problems, providing ample opportunities for practice Covers a wide range of interdisciplinary topics--from engineering to economics to the sciences Uses straightforward language and explanations that make modeling easy to understand and apply New to this Edition: A more systematic approach to mathematical modeling, outlining ten specific principles Expanded and reorganized chapters that flow in an increasing level of complexity Several new problems and updated applications Expanded figure captions that provide more information Improved accessibility and flexibility for teaching

Mathematical modeling is becoming increasingly versatile and multi-disciplinary. This text demonstrates the broadness of this field as the authors consider the principles of model construction and use common approaches to build models from a range of subject areas. The book reflects the interests and experiences of the authors, but it explores mathematical modeling across a wide range of applications, from mechanics to social science. A general approach is adopted, where ideas and examples are favored over rigorous mathematical procedures. This insightful book will be of interest to specialists, teachers, and students across a wide range of disciplines..

This concise and clear introduction to the topic requires only basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra - all other concepts and ideas are developed in the course of the book. Lucidly written so as to appeal to undergraduates and practitioners alike, it enables readers to set up simple mathematical models on their own and to interpret their results and those of others critically. To achieve this, many examples have been chosen from various fields, such as biology, ecology, economics, medicine, agricultural, chemical, electrical, mechanical and process engineering, which are subsequently discussed in detail. Based on the author`s modeling and simulation experience in science and engineering and as a consultant, the book answers such basic questions as: What is a mathematical model? What types of models do exist? Which model is appropriate for a particular problem? What are simulation, parameter estimation, and validation? The book relies exclusively upon open-source software which is available to everybody free of charge. The entire book software - including 3D CFD and structural mechanics simulation software - can be used based on a free CAELinux-Live-DVD that is available in the Internet (works on most machines and operating systems).

Appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students, this text features independent sections that illustrate the most important principles of mathematical modeling, a variety of applications, and classic models. Students with a solid background in calculus and some knowledge of probability and matrix theory will find the material entirely accessible. The range of subjects includes topics from the physical, biological, and social sciences, as well as those of operations research. Discussions cover related mathematical tools and the historical eras from which the applications are drawn. Each section is preceded by an abstract and statement of prerequisites, and answers or hints are provided for selected exercises. 1984 edition.

Introduction to Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulations is written as a textbook for readers who want to understand the main principles of Modeling and Simulations in settings that are important for the applications, without using the profound mathematical tools required by most advanced texts. It can be particularly useful for applied mathematicians and engineers who are just beginning their careers. The goal of this book is to outline Mathematical Modeling using simple mathematical descriptions, making it accessible for first- and second-year students.

Mathematical Modeling: Models, Analysis and Applications, Second Edition introduces models of both discrete and continuous systems. This book is aimed at newcomers who desires to learn mathematical modeling, especially students taking a first course in the subject. Beginning with the step-by-step guidance of model formulation, this book equips the reader about modeling with difference equations (discrete models), ODE’s, PDE’s, delay and stochastic differential equations (continuous models). This book provides interdisciplinary and integrative overview of mathematical modeling, making it a complete textbook for a wide audience. A unique feature of the book is the breadth of coverage of different examples on mathematical modelling, which include population models, economic models, arms race models, combat models, learning model, alcohol dynamics model, carbon dating, drug distribution models, mechanical oscillation models, epidemic models, tumor models, traffic flow models, crime flow models, spatial models, football team performance model, breathing model, two neuron system model, zombie model and model on love affairs. Common themes such as equilibrium points, stability, phase plane analysis, bifurcations, limit cycles, period doubling and chaos run through several chapters and their interpretations in the context of the model have been highlighted. In chapter 3, a section on estimation of system parameters with real life data for model validation has also been discussed. Features Covers discrete, continuous, spatial, delayed and stochastic models. Over 250 illustrations, 300 examples and exercises with complete solutions. Incorporates MATHEMATICA® and MATLAB®, each chapter contains Mathematica and Matlab codes used to display numerical results (available at CRC website). Separate sections for Projects. Several exercise problems can also be used for projects. Presents real life examples of discrete and continuous scenarios. The book is ideal for an introductory course for undergraduate and graduate students, engineers, applied mathematicians and researchers working in various areas of natural and applied sciences.

Mathematical Modelling sets out the general principles of mathematical modelling as a means comprehending the world. Within the book, the problems of physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, economics, ecology, sociology, psychology, political science, etc. are all considered through this uniform lens. The author describes different classes of models, including lumped and distributed parameter systems, deterministic and stochastic models, continuous and discrete models, static and dynamical systems, and more. From a mathematical point of view, the considered models can be understood as equations and systems of equations of different nature and variational principles. In addition to this, mathematical features of mathematical models, applied control and optimization problems based on mathematical models, and identification of mathematical models are also presented. Features Each chapter includes four levels: a lecture (main chapter material), an appendix (additional information), notes (explanations, technical calculations, literature review) and tasks for independent work; this is suitable for undergraduates and graduate students and does not require the reader to take any prerequisite course, but may be useful for researchers as well Described mathematical models are grouped both by areas of application and by the types of obtained mathematical problems, which contributes to both the breadth of coverage of the material and the depth of its understanding Can be used as the main textbook on a mathematical modelling course, and is also recommended for special courses on mathematical models for physics, chemistry, biology, economics, etc.