E-book: Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists

Hoffman (mechanical engineering, Purdue U.) introduces engineers and scientists to numerical methods that can be used to solve mathematical problems arising in engineering and science that cannot be solved by exact methods. His general approach is to introduce a type of problem, present sufficient background to understand the problem and possible methods of solving it, develop one or more numerical methods, and illustrate the methods with examples. He include bad methods as well as good to clarify why some work and some do not. He has significantly revised the first edition, published by McGraw-Hill in 1992, and added a new section with several FORTRAN programs for implementing the algorithms developed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Emphasizing the finite difference approach for solving differential equations, the second edition of Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists presents a methodology for systematically constructing individual computer programs. Providing easy access to accurate solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems, each chapter begins with objectives, a discussion of a representative application, and an outline of special features, summing up with a list of tasks students should be able to complete after reading the chapter- perfect for use as a study guide or for review. The AIAA Journal calls the book "…a good, solid instructional text on the basic tools of numerical analysis."