Instructor:
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Dr. Patrick Nelson
East Hall 5860
tel: 763-3408
fax: 763-0937
pwn@umich.edu
office hours: Wednesday, 11:00-12:00; Tuesday, 1:00-2:00
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Course Description
The primary purpose of this class is to analyze the formulation and solution of problems that arise in the
physical sciences, engineering, and medicine and are modeled by partial differential equations. The emphasis
is on deriving explicit analytical results, rather than on the abstract properties of the solutions. Proofs
will be omitted but the underlying concepts will be carefully explained.
Textbook
- Partial Differential Equations (Analytical solution techniques), J. Kevorkian, Springer,
Mathematical Concepts to be covered
- Heat equation
- Dimensional Analysis
- Laplace and Wave equations
- Formulation of models from basic principles
- Quasi-linear first order equations, (Weak solutions, shocks and fans)
- Non-linear first order equations
- Hamilton-Jacobi equations
- Computation with matlab and fortran
- Interpretation of results
Homeworks
Learning Objectives and Instructor Expectations
Although the subject matter of applied partial differential equations can be made rather difficult,
I will attempt to present the course material in as simple a manner as possible.
More theoretical aspects, such as proofs, will not be presented but I will present in
detail the mathematical techniques needed for formulating the mathematical solutions.
Applications will be emphasized and will come from areas of Physics, Engineering, Medicine,
and the Life Sciences.
Grading
Homework assignments will count as 1/3 of grade evaluation. There will also be two quizzes
and each will count for 1/3 of the grade. Each quiz will be take home and at least 48 hours will
be given for completion