This textbook gives a unified treatment of the solution of various linear equations that arise in science and engineering with examples. It is based on a course taught by the first author for over thirty years. Some unique features include:
Use of symbolic software for illustrating and enhancing the impact of physical parameter changes on solutions.
Multi-scale analysis of engineering problems with physical interpretation of time and length scales in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors/eigenfunctions.
Discussion of compartment models for various finite dimensional problems.
Evaluation and illustration of functions of matrices (and use of symbolic manipulation) to solve multi-component diffusion-convection-reaction problems.
Illustration of the techniques and interpretation of solutions to several classical engineering problems.
Emphasis on the connection between discrete (matrix algebra) and continuum.
Physical interpretation of adjoint operator and adjoint systems.
Use of complex analysis and algebra in the solution of practical engineering problems.
Vemuri Balakotaiah is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and holds the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair at the University of Houston.
Professor Vemuri Balakotaiah started his career as a research scientist at Shell in Houston, Texas, followed by Dow Chemical and Sabic. From 1980 onwards extensive teaching experience at several universities. Currently at High Roy & Lillie Cranz Cullen, distinguished University Chair, Cullen College of Engineering. Around 210 journal articles, chapters in several books, plus 6 patents to his name. Awards: 2007: Flour-Daniel Faculty Excellence Award, Cullen College of Engineering 2003: Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship, University of Houston 2001: Ya. B. Zeldovich Award, The Dow Chemical Company 1998-2001: Member, Modeling Technical Advisory Board, The Dow Chemical Company
Ram R. Ratnakar is a Subject Matter Expert (Thermodynamics/PVT) and a Sr. Researcher in R&D Mathematics & Computation at Shell Int. E&P. He is at present Reservoir Engineer at Shell in Houston. Before this he was an Research Assistant at the University of Houston, Texas and has 24 publications to his name.
