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Mathematical Modeling in Engineering

The document discusses the engineering problem-solving process through mathematical modeling, highlighting the components such as dependent and independent variables, parameters, and forcing functions. It provides an example of a mathematical model for a free-falling parachutist, including both analytical and numerical solutions to determine the velocity over time. The numerical solution is to be computed using a time step size of 2 seconds for a parachutist with a specified mass and drag coefficient.

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Giray Cevher Eser
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11 views7 pages

Mathematical Modeling in Engineering

The document discusses the engineering problem-solving process through mathematical modeling, highlighting the components such as dependent and independent variables, parameters, and forcing functions. It provides an example of a mathematical model for a free-falling parachutist, including both analytical and numerical solutions to determine the velocity over time. The numerical solution is to be computed using a time step size of 2 seconds for a parachutist with a specified mass and drag coefficient.

Uploaded by

Giray Cevher Eser
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

MAK 310

NUMERICAL METHODS

CHAPTER 1:
MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND
ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING

1
ENGINEERING PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS
Mathematical model: A formulation or equation that
expresses the essential features of a physical system or
process in mathematical terms.

• Dependent variable: Reflects the behavior or state of the system.


• Independent variables: Dimensions, such as time and space, along
which the system’s behavior is being determined;
• Parameters: Reflect the system’s properties or composition
• Forcing functions: External influences acting upon the system.
Characteristics of mathematical models:
1. It describes a natural process or system in mathematical terms.
2. It represents an idealization and simplification of reality.
3. It yields reproducible results and, consequently, can be used for
predictive purposes. 2
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL - PARACHUTIST
Find the velocity of a free-falling parachutist. a = dv/dt
Velocity Time
 (m/s) (s)
FD : downward pull of gravity g = 9,81 m/s2
FU : upward force of air resistance
drag coefficient (kg/s)

This is a differential equation, describing the


 phenomenon of interest.
This is our mathematical model.

We can solve this analytically using calculus (not with simple arithmetic operations).

For example, if the parachutist is initially at rest (υ = 0 at t = 0), calculus can be used to solve for:

3
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION TO THE FALLING PARACHUTIST

A parachutist of mass m=68.1 kg jumps out of a


stationary hot air balloon.
• The drag coefficient is equal to c = 12.5kg/s.

4
NUMERICAL SOLUTION TO THE FALLING PARACHUTIST

Δv = velocity difference
Δt = time difference
computed over finite intervals.

v(ti ) = velocity at an initial time ti


v(ti+1) = velocity at some later time ti+1.

5
NUMERICAL SOLUTION TO THE FALLING PARACHUTIST

6
NUMERICAL SOLUTION TO THE PARACHUTIST PROBLEM
Solve the question numerically. Employ a time step size of 2s for the calculation.
m=68.1kg c = 12.5kg/s

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