课程概况
This is a course is about differential equations, and covers material that all engineers should know. We will learn how to solve first-order equations, and how to solve second-order equations with constant coefficients and also look at some fundamental engineering applications. We will learn about the Laplace transform and series solution methods. Finally, we will learn about systems of linear differential equations, including the very important normal modes problem, and how to solve a partial differential equation using separation of variables. This solution method requires first learning about Fourier series.
After each video, there are problems to solve and I have tried to choose problems that exemplify the main idea of the lecture. I try to give enough problems for students to solidify their understanding of the material, but not so many that students feel overwhelmed. I do encourage students to attempt the given problems, but if they get stuck, full solutions can be found in the lecture notes for the course.
Lecture notes may be downloaded at
http://www.math.ust.hk/~machas/differential-equations-for-engineers.pdf
课程大纲
周1
完成时间为 6 小时
First-Order Differential Equations
Welcome to the first module! We begin by introducing differential equations and classifying them. We then explain the Euler method for numerically solving a first-order ode. Next, we explain the analytical solution methods for separable and linear first-order odes. An explanation of the theory is followed by illustrative solutions of some simple odes. Finally, we present three real-world examples of first-order odes and their solution: compound interest, terminal velocity of a falling mass, and the resistor-capacitor electrical circuit.
12 个视频 （总计 97 分钟）, 11 个阅读材料, 6 个测验
周2
完成时间为 8 小时
Second-Order Differential Equations
We begin by generalising the Euler numerical method to a second-order equation. We then develop two theoretical concepts used for linear equations: the principle of superposition, and the Wronskian. Armed with these concepts, we can find analytical solutions to a homogeneous second-order ode with constant coefficients. We make use of an exponential ansatz, and convert the ode to a second-order polynomial equation called the characteristic equation of the ode. The characteristic equation may have real or complex roots and we discuss the solutions for these different cases. We then consider the inhomogeneous ode, and the phenomena of resonance, where the forcing frequency is equal to the natural frequency of the oscillator. Finally, some interesting and important applications are discussed.
22 个视频 （总计 218 分钟）, 20 个阅读材料, 3 个测验
周3
完成时间为 6 小时
The Laplace Transform and Series Solution Methods
We present two new analytical solution methods for solving linear odes. The first is the Laplace transform method, which is used to solve the constant-coefficient ode with a discontinuous or impulsive inhomogeneous term. The Laplace transform is a good vehicle in general for introducing sophisticated integral transform techniques within an easily understandable context. We also introduce the solution of a linear ode by series solution. Although we do not go deeply here, an introduction to this technique may be useful to students that encounter it again in more advanced courses.
11 个视频 （总计 123 分钟）, 10 个阅读材料, 4 个测验
周4
完成时间为 8 小时
Systems of Differential Equations and Partial Differential Equations
We solve a coupled system of homogeneous linear first-order differential equations with constant coefficients. This system of odes can be written in matrix form, and we explain how to convert these equations into a standard matrix algebra eigenvalue problem. We then discuss the important application of coupled harmonic oscillators and the calculation of normal modes. The normal modes are those motions for which the individual masses that make up the system oscillate with the same frequency. Next, to prepare for a discussion of partial differential equations, we define the Fourier series of a function. Then we derive the well-known one-dimensional diffusion equation, which is a partial differential equation for the time-evolution of the concentration of a dye over one spatial dimension. We proceed to solve this equation for a dye diffusing length-wise within a finite pipe.
19 个视频 （总计 177 分钟）, 17 个阅读材料, 6 个测验
