Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics: Block 3 - Open University Course Team

Block 3 contains units 9 - 11 which look at a class of differential equations typified by the wave equation, the diffusion equation and Laplace's equation, which arise frequently in fluid mechanics and in other branches of applied mathematics.Unit 9 Second-order partial differential equations shows how a second-order partial differential equation can be classified as one of three standard types, and how to reduce an equation to its standard form. Some general solutions (including dAlemberts solution to the wave equation) are found.Unit 10 Fourier series reviews and develops an important method of approximating a function. The early sections refer to trigonometric Fourier series, and it is shown how these series, together with separation of variables, can be used to represent the solutions of initial-boundary value problems involving the diffusion equation and the wave equation. Later sections generalise to the Fourier series that arise from Sturm-Liouville problems (eigenvalue problems with the differential equation put into a certain standard format), including Legendre series.Unit 11 Laplaces equation is a particular second-order partial differential equation that can be used to model the flow of an irrotational, inviscid fluid past a rigid boundary. Solutions to Laplaces equation are found and interpreted in the context of fluid flow problems, for example, the flow of a fluid past a cylinder and past a sphere.Please note this book refers to the use of other materials, therefore you are advised that you may also need to purchase the Audio CD Pack (order code MST326/CDAPACK)