Asymptotic and Analytical Methods
Content
Please log in to view module content:
Description
Asymtotic and Analytical Methods
Time: Wednesdays, 13.00-15.00
Location for Maxwell Institute students: Bayes Centre (room 5.46)
Module Leader: Mikhail Osipov (University of Strathclyde)
Module Summary
In applied mathematics, physical and other problems are often modelled by differential equations. It is extremely rare that one can obtain exact solutions to the differential equations that may occur in, for example, fluid dynamics, mathematical biology or magnetohydrodynamics. Additionally, the problems may involve the evaluation of integrals which arise, for example, through contour integration or Fourier or Laplace transform methods for solving ODEs. Thus, in many cases we are forced to employ some kind of approximation in order to make progress with our problem. Hence, we must obtain an approximate solution rather than the exact solution.
In essence there are two main types of approximation: analytical approximations and numerical approximations. This module deals with the first type; the Numerical Methods module deals with the second.
Topics
- Asymptotic methods for differential equations, including the methods of multiple scales and matched asymptotics
- Contour integral methods for differential equations, including the method of steepest descents
- Further applications of asymptotics
Delivery
Some lectures will be delivered in “flipped” format, with material to read and exercises to complete before each class. It is essential that you carry out this work in order to be prepared for the class. Pre-class material will appear at least a couple of days beforehand, but full notes will appear only after each class.
Assessment
The module will be assessed by two written assignments with provisional deadlines shown.
- Assignment 1 (lectures 1–5): TBC
- Assignment 2 (lectures 6–10): TBC
Assignments may include both “paper and pencil” and computer work, and will be set at least two weeks before the deadline.