The numerical analysis of stochastic differential equations differs significantly from that of ordinary differential equations, due to the peculiarities of stochastic calculus. The book proposes to the reader whose background knowledge is limited to undergraduate level methods for engineering and physics, and easily accessible introductions to SDE and then applications as well as the numerical methods for dealing with them. To help the reader develop an intuitive understanding and hand-on numerical skills, numerous exercises including PC-exercises are included.
This is a computer experimental introduction to the numerical solution of stochastic differential equations. A downloadable software software containing programs for over 100 problems is provided at one of the following homepages:
http://www.math.uni-frankfurt.de/numerik/kloeden/
http://www.business.uts.edu.au/finance/staff/eckard.html
http://www.math.siu.edu/schurz/SOFTWARE/
to enable the reader to develop an intuitive understanding of the issues involved. Applications include stochastic dynamical systems, filtering, parametric estimation and finance modeling.
The book is intended for readers without specialist stochastic background who want to apply such numerical methods to stochastic differential equations that arise in their own field. It can also be used as an introductory textbook for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students in engineering, physics and economics.