MA436 Intro. to Partial Differential Equations

MA436 Intro. to Partial Differential Equations covers the fundamental partial differential equations of mathematical physics from a qualitative and quantitative point of view: Both solution techniques and the properties of solutions will be discussed. These are the equations of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and many other areas of engineering interest. The focus will be on analytical methods; understanding these helps us understand the results of finite element and finite difference modeling of the equations.

There will be two non-cumulative exams (no final exam).

Animation of the changing temperature T(x,y,t) of a thin plate, found by solving a heat equation of the form T_t=K(T_xx+T_yy).

Physical problem of solving for the temperature u(x,y,t) of a metal bar leading to a heat equation of the form u_t=Ku_xx.

The prerequisite is MA330 Vector Calculus.

Maintainer: leader@rose-hulman.edu.