KIL1005: Numerical Methods for Engineering

Semester 2, Session 2019/2020

Lecture 1
20 Feb 2020

Dr. Mahar Diana Hamid

Department of Chemical Engineering
University Malaya
Lecturer : Dr. Mahar Diana Hamid
Email : mahar.diana@um.edu.my
Tel. No. : 03-79675295

Before you come to see me, please set up an

appointment!

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 Class schedule
Day Time Location
Thursday 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm BKK3/4

Important:

Please come to the class on time

Some of you might want to bring their own laptop. In this case, please download MATLAB software

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Course Outcomes (VERY IMPORTANT)
1. Describe the numerical methods used for root finding, linear
and non-linear equations, integration, differentiation, ordinary
& partial differential equations (ODE & PDE) and optimisation
problems.
2. Solve problems manually related to roots finding, linear and
non-linear equations, integration, differentiation, ODE, PDE
and optimisation problems using appropriate numerical
method.
3. Write computer programs for root finding, linear and non-linear
equations, integration, differentiation, ODE and PDE.

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Components of the course

Algorithmic aspects of
numerical methods

Practical use
Applications
of Matlab
References
1. S.C. Chapra & R.P. Canale.
“Numerical Methods for Engineers”,
Extra notes
McGraw-Hill. 7th Edition, 2015.
RM124.80 in Pekan Buku

Exercises

2. H. Moore. “MATLAB for Engineers”, Exam questions

Prentice-Hall, 3rd Edition, 2012. (adapted)
Tutorials

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› Two important rules to talk to me: 
 1. Make sure you thought about the problem and have some
analysis to offer together with your question 
 2. Make sure you can explain you problem or make the question
in one-two sentences.
› Student with less than 80% attendance will be barred from
examination.
•
Notes, assignments, solutions, grades etc. will be posted on
SPECTRUM.
http://spectrum.um.edu.my
Please print the notes yourself before coming to the class.
Homework:  
All work will be performed in class. Homework will be assigned
only if students run out of time. 
Assessment
› Continous assessment : 50%
– Tests
› Test 1 – Week 7 (20%) MATLAB
› Test 2 – Week 13 (20%)
– Mini project submitted at Week 14 (10%)
Mini project will be submitted in groups (4 students per group)
› Final examination: 50% (Closed-book) – No coding, all theories
and hand calculations

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First Homework
› Update your picture in the spectrum’s website
› Groupings

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Introduction
• Numerical methods are techniques
by which mathematical problems
are formulated so that they can be
solved with arithmetic operations.
• Requires understanding of
engineering systems
• By observation and experiment
• Theoretical analysis and
generalization
• Computers are great tools,
however, without fundamental
understanding of engineering
problems, they will be useless.
› A mathematical model is represented as a functional relationship of the
form

Dependent independent forcing

Variable = f variables, parameters, functions

› Dependent variable: Characteristic that usually reflects the state of the

system
› Independent variables: Dimensions such as time and space along which
the systems behavior is being determined
› Parameters: reflect the system’s properties or composition
› Forcing functions: external influences acting upon the system
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MATLAB
› Short for MATrix  Advantages:
LABoratory
1. Ease of use
› Optimized to perform
engineering and 2. Platform
scientific calculations. independence
› Initially designed to 3. Pre-defined functions
perform matrix 4. Device-independent
mathematics plotting
› Provides a very extensive 5. MATLAB Compiler
library of predefined
functions to make  Disadvantages:
technical programming 1. Interpreted language
tasks easier and more
– execute more
efficient. 13
slowly
MATLAB Environment: MATLAB Desktop

The MATLAB
Workspace
Stores the
The Command Window: variable name
User can enter interactive commands at the and value
command prompt (>>) and it will be executed
on the spot. The Command
It is easier to use script files / M-files History Window
Displays the
commands that
user has entered

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Getting Help
› Help Browser Other Important Functions
› Type help on the › Type demo to run MATLAB’s
command window built-in demonstrations.
› Using lookfor command › clc : clear the Command
Window’s content.
› clear : clear the variables in
the Workspace
› abort command by typing
control-c

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Important Programming Pitfalls
› Never use a variable with the same name as a MATLAB
function or command. If you do so, that function or
command will become inaccessible.
› If there is more than one function or command with the
same name, the first one found on the search path will be
executed.
› Never create an M-file with the same name as a MATLAB
function or command.

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