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Computational Science with Mathematica: 12 Easy Pieces: Essential Operations in Computational Science
Author

J. Noyes
Conference

2004 Wolfram Technology Conference
Conference location

Champaign IL
Description

Computational Science (COSC) is a scientific investigation of physical processes on the computer by the use of computational models and methods. Hypotheses are often formulated using mathematical models that can then be used to compute quantities of scientific interest and to gain new insights. COSC is now on par with the development of scientific theory and the use of experimentation in order to understand the real world. Mathematica is an ideal tool to use in this endeavor and also to teach the essential types of operations. These types of operations may be placed into three categories: Evaluation, Simulation, and Optimization. Within each category, fundamental operations will be described. One or more examples will be presented for each operation. This material is currently used to teach an undergraduate course in COSC.

Evaluation: This is the most basic category since the operations in this category are used in both simulation and optimization.
  1. Analytic (symbolic) versus numeric computation
  2. Data input/output and visualization
  3. Physical units and conversions
  4. Linear versus nonlinear systems
  5. Data and function approximation
  6. Computer arithmetic
  7. Uncertainty and sensitivity in computation


Simulation: This is the most general category where models must often be implemented by writing application-specific programs.
  1. Discrete equation models
  2. Differential and integral equation models
  3. Monte Carlo models


Optimization: This important category contains models that are designed to produce the best solution and typically require many controlled evaluations to determine a minimum or maximum.
  1. Continuous optimization models
  2. Discrete optimization models

Subject

*Applied Mathematics > Optimization
URL

http://www.wolfram.com/news/events/techconf2004
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