CRC Press Approximation Techniques for Engineers: Second Edition

This second edition includes eleven new sections based on the approximation of matrix functions, deflating the solution space and improving the accuracy of approximate solutions, iterative solution of initial value problems of systems of ordinary differential equations, and the method of trial functions for boundary value problems. The topics of the two new chapters are integral equations and mathematical optimization. The book provides alternative solutions to software tools amenable to hand computations to validate the results obtained by "black box" solvers. It also offers an insight into the mathematics behind many CAD, CAE tools of the industry. The book aims to provide a working knowledge of the various approximation techniques for engineering practice. Review "Dr. Komzsik's book is a rare combination of the basic knowledge in the areas of approximation and computational mechanics which is essential for an engineer. Exhaustive coverage of all the topics along with lucid presentation of the concepts and a wide variety of illustrative problems make this book a valuable source for advanced users. Logical sequence of the topics and nomenclature even allows beginners to cope with the complex field of approximation methods in science and technology. This book contains a large amount of information not found in standard textbooks. Written for the engineer involved in complex issues, it combines the modern mathematical standards of numerical analysis with an understanding on how to effectively use these abstract methods. The new edition features integral equations and mathematical optimization methods toward their practical usage in the focus of finite and boundary element methods in solitary and coupled formulation as well." ―Thomas Flöck, R&D Engineer, Siemens Digital Factory/Motion Control, Erlangen, Germany "The first edition of Louis Komzsik' s book was an extremely valuable source of numerical routines for the last decade pushing the envelope in automotive applications. We awaited this second edition book for years and looking forward utilizing it in our work. The BMW i8 model in the picture on the front depicts the various stages of approximations during the development of a car, ranging from sketches through finite element models to the final geometry. In this process engineers use many of the methods described in this book."―Daniel Heiserer, BMW, Munich, Germany "This book features an approachable blend of theoretical motivation with illustrative examples. Many of the methods described lend themselves to a matrix formulation, making them suitable for implementation using MATLAB®. The second edition is further improved by the inclusion of solution About the Author Dr. Komzsik is a graduate of the Technical University and the Eötvös University of Sciences, both in Budapest, Hungary. He worked for the Hungarian Shipyards in Budapest during the 1970s as an engineering analyst. After immigrating to the U.S., he worked for the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation between 1981-1982 as a senior analyst. Following that, he spent two decades as Chief Numerical Analyst at the MacNeal-Schwendler (now MSC Software) Corporation. After another decade and a half, he recently retired as Principal Key Expert from Siemens PLM Software. He is the author of the original NASTRAN Numerical Methods Handbook, and a widely read book on The Lanczos Method that was also published in Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian. His books titled "Computational Techniques of Finite Element Analysis" and "Applied Calculus of Variations for Engineers and Approximation Techniques for Engineers" are already in their second editions. He is also the co-author of the book, "Rotor Dynamics with Finite Elements."