Numerical Analysis in Modern Scientific Computing

Mathematics is playing an ever more important role in the physical and biological sciences, provoking a blurring of boundaries between scientific disciplines and a resurgence of interest in the modern as well as the clas­ sical techniques of applied mathematics. This renewal of interest, both in research and teaching, has led to the establishment of the series Texts in Applied Mathematics (TAM). The development of new courses is a natural consequence of a high level of excitement on the research frontier as newer techniques, such as numerical and symbolic computer systems, dynamical systems, and chaos, mix with and reinforce the traditional methods of applied mathematics. Thus, the purpose of this textbook series is to meet the current and future needs of these advances and to encourage the teaching of new courses. TAM will publish textbooks suitable for use in advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate courses, and will complement the Applied Mathe­ matical Sciences (AMS) series, which will focus on advanced textbooks and research-level monographs.

This introductory book directs the reader to a selection of useful elementary numerical algorithms on a reasonably sound theoretical basis, built up within the text. The primary aim is to develop algorithmic thinking-emphasizing long-living computational concepts over fast changing software issues. The guiding principle is to explain modern numerical analysis concepts applicable in complex scientific computing at much simpler model problems. For example, the two adaptive techniques in numerical quadrature elaborated here carry the germs for either exploration methods or multigrid methods in differential equations, which are not treated here. The presentation draws on geometrical intuition wherever appropriate, supported by large number of illustrations. Numerous exercises are included for further practice and improved understanding.

This text will appeal to undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers in mathematics, computer science, science, and engineering.At the same time, it is addressed to practical computational scientists who, via self-study, wish to become acquainted with modern concepts of numerical analysis and scientific computing on an elementary level. The sole prerequisite is undergraduate knowledge in linear algebra and calculus.