COURSE INFORMATION

EML3041

Spring 2014

       

Course Number: EML 3041

 

Course Name: COMPUTATIONAL METHODS

 

Credit Hours: 3

 

Pre‑Requisites:  MAP 2302: Differential Equations, and EML 3035: Programming Concepts for Mechanical Engineers

 

Course Website: Go to the CANVAS course.  Click on Piazza.

 

Class Location & Time:

CMC 141

MW 2:00-3:15PM

 

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COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Numerical methods are techniques to approximate mathematical procedures (example of a mathematical procedure is an integral). 

Approximations are needed because we either cannot solve the procedure analytically (example is the standard normal cumulative  distribution function)

   Acknowledgement: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_distribution    

or because the analytical method is intractable (example is solving a set of a thousand simultaneous linear equations for a thousand unknowns for finding forces in a truss). 

In this course, you will learn the numerical methods for the following mathematical procedures and topics - Differentiation, Nonlinear Equations, Simultaneous Linear Equations, Interpolation, Regression, Integration, and Ordinary Differential Equations.  Calculation of errors and their relationship to the accuracy of the numerical solutions is emphasized throughout the course. 

  1. Students will be able to develop mathematical models of lower level engineering problems.
  2. Students will learn how to calculate, quantify, and minimize errors, concept of significant digits and how errors are related to correct number of significant digits.
  3. Students will learn how to solve nonlinear equations numerically
  4. Students will be introduced to fundamental matrix algebra concepts and shown how to solve simultaneous linear equations numerically
  5. Students will learn how to curve fit (interpolation and regression) discrete date
  6. Students will learn how to numerically integrate continuous and discrete functions.
  7. Students will learn how to numerically solve ordinary differential equations that are initial value or boundary value problems.
     

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OUTCOMES OF EML 3041

In the course EML 3041 – Computational Methods, the program objectives are met as follows (The letters in the brackets given at the end of each outcome corresponds to the outcomes of the Mechanical Engineering program at USF)

 

1.       Understand the concept and steps of problem solving - mathematical modeling, solution and implementation. (e)

2.      Learn concepts of error - identification, quantification and minimization of errors.  Understand error sources of round off and truncation error.  Introduce the concept of machine epsilon and significant digits, and its relation to relative errors.  Reinforce these concepts in all the numerical techniques. (a)

3.      Find how derivatives of functions can be calculated numerically (a,e).

4.      Learn how to find real roots of nonlinear equations of the form f(x)=0 using bisection method and Newton-Raphson method. (a, e)

5.      Learn methods to solve simultaneous linear equations.  Use Naive Gauss Elimination to obtain a solution.  Show how Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting reduces round off error.  Learn the LU Decomposition method to find solution for multiple right hand arrays or inverse of a square matrix.  (a, e, n)

6.      Learn methods to fit a curve to given data points via interpolation and regression.  Learn direct and spline interpolation methods of interpolation.  Learn how to find linear and nonlinear regression models for give data. (a, b, e, n)

7.      Learn methods of integration such as Trapezoidal rule and Gauss-Quadrature to find integrals of continuous functions.  Develop methods of integration for discrete functions based on Trapezoidal rule, interpolation and regression models (a, e, m)

8.      Learn Euler’s method, Runge-Kutta and shooting methods to solve ordinary differential equations that are coupled and/or higher order, initial-value or boundary value problems. (a, e, m)

 

OUTCOMES OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

a)                 an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering;

b)                 an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;

c)                  an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;

d)                 an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;

e)                 an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;

f)                   an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;

g)                 an ability to communicate effectively;

h)                 the broad educational necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;

i)                   a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life long learning;

j)                   a  knowledge of contemporary issues; 

k)                 an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;

l)                   a knowledge of chemistry and physics with depth in at least one.

m)              an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations.

n)                 a familiarity with statistics and linear algebra;

o)                 an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems.

 

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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Autar Kaw

Office Location: ENC 2215

Telephone: 813‑974-5626

E-mail: kaw@usf.edu

Office Hours: Monday 10:45AM-11:45AM;   Wednesday 3:30PM-4:30PM

OR

call 813‑974-5626 for making an appointment for consultation outside office hours

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TA INFORMATION

Name: Benjamin Rigsby

Location: ENG205

When:  Tuesday  12:45PM-1:45PM and 3:30 PM-4:30PM

             Thursday 12:45PM-1:45PM  and 3:30 PM-4:30 PM

Email: bsrigsby@mail.usf.edu

OR

call 813-396-9350 for making an appointment for consultation outside office hours

 

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TEXT BOOKS

1.       Numerical Methods with Applications: Customized for Mechanical Engineering of University of South Florida (USF)
By Autar Kaw, Egwu Kalu
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/numerical-methods-with-applications-customized-for-mechanical-engineering-of-university-of-south-florida-%28usf%29/13377846

Go to http://lulu.com for any discounts

Order now as it takes 5-7 days to get it by Fedex-Ground.  An online version of the part of the book that carries the first one week of lectures is available on the Blackboard site.  Most of the net proceeds from USF sales of the book are donated to the USF Foundation, USF Student Organizations, and several other charities.

2.      Your MATLAB book for EML 3035 (The one written by Kaw & Miller OR Chapman).  Either and any edition of book is good.

3.      Buying MATLAB software for home use is optional. 

a)     You can always use MATLAB free of charge in LIB 125C (first floor lab in the Library), and other open labs except EDU open lab. 

b)     The university has a program where you can access MATLAB online from anywhere (http://apps.usf.edu/)

c)      You may already have MATLAB when you took the EML3035 course. 

 

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MATLAB REFRESHER

Matlab overview and refresher: http://www.eng.usf.edu/~kaw/class/programming

 

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CALCULATOR

Only nonprogrammable calculators are allowed for class work, homework, and tests (except the concept test where no calculator or formula sheet is allowed).  The only acceptable calculators are TI-30Xa and TI-30Xa Solar (the solar and the new model have better display).  No other calculator is allowed.  No exceptions will be made.  Office Depot, Staples, and Wal-Mart stock these calculators.  Bring the calculator to every class.

 

 

This new model is better as it has a clearer display.

 

 

 

 

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SHORT OBJECTIVES

Techniques and computer programming tools to solve engineering problems using numerical methods.  Topics include roots of equations, matrix algebra, integration, differential equations and curve fitting.

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TENTATIVE CALENDAR and EXAM SCHEDULE

Total Weeks: 16

Day-by-day lecture schedule will be announced on Piazza.

Test 1: Wednesday February 12, CMC 141, 2:00-3:15PM

Test 2: Monday March 31, CMC 141, 2:00-3:15PM

Concept Test: Monday April 21  (No calculator – no formula sheet), CMC 141, 2:00-2:50PM

Test 3: Wednesday April 23, CMC 141, 2:00-3:15PM

Final Exam: Monday, April 28, CMC 141, 12:30-2:30PM

 

Chapter 1 – 4 lectures

Chapter 2 – 1 lectures

Chapter 3 – 2 lectures

Chapter 4 – 4 lectures

Chapter 5 – 3 lectures

Chapter 6 – 4 lectures

Chapter 7 – 3 lectures

Chapter 8 – 4 lectures

 


 

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COURSE GRADE and GRADING POLICY

Category

Weightage

Test#1, 2, 3

15%, 15%, 10%

Computer Project Reports

10%

Special Assignments

17%

Concept Test

8% (no calculator – no formula sheet)

Final Exam

25%

 

100%

 

Tests#1, 2, 3: Each test is graded out of 100.  Tests are closed book and closed notes.  A formula sheet made by the instructor is allowed.

 

Computer Project Reports:  Project reports are due at the beginning of the class period they are due in.  If you are not coming to class, you can slip your report/special assignment under my door one hour before the class period begins on the day it is due.  If it is slipped after this time, it will not be graded.  Late reports are not accepted or graded.

 

Reports not submitted when they are due will be graded later only if you have a legitimate, verifiable, and documented excuse as given in the syllabus.   You need to submit your report/special assignment on the first day you are back in class.

 

Computer or lab projects are graded out of 100 points.

 

Concept Test: This is a test on fundamental concepts of numerical methods.  This test allows faculty and students to identify patterns of conceptual understanding and misconceptions.  No calculator or formula sheet is allowed.

 

Special Assignments: These assignments will be given throughout the semester.  These may include submitting assigned HW problems for a grade, CANVAS assignments, mini-projects, essays, in-class assignments such as minute papers, pop quizzes, reflective resubmission of graded quizzes, etc.

 

Final Exam: The final exam format will be announced later.  It may include combination of multiple-choice and free response questions.  The final exam is comprehensive examination of all the topics covered in the course.

 

YOU SHOULD NOT RUSH TO MY CLASS as nothing is that important in life. I myself may get to come late to a class for something that is beyond my control or even with the best of planning. In the last 26 years of teaching, I have been late to class five times.

 

Curving the Grade: The adjustments made to your course grade is as follows and is made to the tests#1, 2, 3, concept test, and the final examination. 

 

If the average for students registered for the course (all withdrawal students and students missing the exam are not included in the calculation) for any of the tests is less than 70%, the difference is added to every registered student's grade for that test (exception include students missing a test for verifiable excuse, where adjustments are at the discretion of the instructor).

 

Guaranteed Grading Scale:

Grade A+  is 98‑100 (4.00)  Grade A  is 90-97 (4.00)      Grade A- is  86-89 (3.67)

Grade B+ is 83-85 (3.33)      Grade B is 80-82 (3.00)        Grade B- is 76-79 (2.67)

Grade C+ is 73-75 (2.33)      Grade C is 70-72 (2.00)        Grade C– is 66-69 (1.67)

Grade D+ is 63-65 (1.33)      Grade D is 60-62 (1.00)        Grade D‑ is 56‑59 (0.67)

Grade F is 0‑55 (0.00).

 

Your final grade will be calculated as follows at the end of the course.  A number 0.999999 will be added to your overall percentage grade.  The integer part (INT function in Excel) of the grade will be recorded as your final grade.  Course grades will be evaluated on the above given percentages and a letter grade will be assigned to you as outlined in the University catalog for undergraduate students (2013-14).

 

Course grades will be evaluated on percentage score and a letter grade will be assigned to you as outlined in the University catalog for undergraduate students (2013-2014). 

 

Do not wait until the last day before an examination or a test to ask questions. Graded assignments and quizzes not picked up when handed out in class can be picked up only during the above given office hours or at the end of the class.  Graded assignments and tests not picked up by May 9, 2014 will be discarded. Final exams are not returned but can be looked at in my office.

 

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ATTENDANCE

Attendance is compulsory and you are responsible for topics covered in class, announcements made in class, homework assigned in class, and submitting lab reports and special assignments on time.  There will be some graded in-class assignments throughout the semester.

 

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REGRADING POLICY

Re-grading of a test, lab report, essay or computer project should be requested within five working days of it being returned to you.  Re-grading after the final grade is assigned for the course will be allowed only in extreme circumstances.  Mistakes in the grade book entries should be rectified as soon as possible to avoid any change of grade issues.  You will need a copy of all your graded tests for verification.  KEEP ALL YOUR GRADED PAPERS TILL THE FINAL GRADE IS ASSIGNED.

 

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GRADES ON THE WEB

Grades will be updated on https://my.usf.edu.

 

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MISSED EXAMINATIONS

NO make‑up tests will be given.  However, in the event of a serious illness (physician's statement documenting severity of illness required), death in the family or other legitimate, documented, verifiable emergency resulting in the absence from a schedule test, each case will be evaluated separately.  The decision of the instructor is final.  An example of a make-up score is that if you miss a test, you may be given the same grade as the final exam score in the missed topics, and so on.  Curving of make-up grades is discretion of the instructor.

 

Notification of absence must be given before the commencement of the scheduled examination or test to me.  You need to type a professional memo (see sample) about your absence addressed to me as soon as possible.  Attach any documentation with it (no e-mails will be accepted).

 

Do not presume that your reasons for missing an examination or test are acceptable unless authorization is given to you.

 

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POLICY ON RELIGIOUS OBSERVATIONS

Students who need to be absent under this rule must provide written notice of date(s) to me by the second-class meeting.  The request needs to be reasonable under university rules.

 

POLICY ON STUDENT DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

“Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with the office of Students with Disabilities Services to arrange appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice prior to requesting an accommodation.” The website is http://www.sds.usf.edu/index.htm.

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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND DISRUPTION

If you are found cheating on any of the tests, exams, graded HWs, projects, you will get a 'FF’ for the whole course, and referred to the Dean's office for further process or appeal.

Academic disruption includes excessive side talking, lack of respect for your fellow classmates and the instructor, listening to music, cell phone distractions, solving crossword puzzles. These will be handled as per the undergraduate catalog of 2012-13.

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INCOMPLETE GRADE, ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, AND DISRUPTION OF ACADEMIC PROCESS

The following restates portions of USF Academic Policy from the USF Undergraduate Manual concerning the “incomplete” grade, academic dishonesty, and disruption of academic process.  The faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering requests all students in the department to be informed of these policies.

 

Incomplete Grade Policy

“It may be awarded to an undergraduate student only when a small portion of the students work is incomplete and only when the student is otherwise earning a passing grade.”

 

Academic Dishonesty

“Each individual is expected to earn his/her degree on the basis of personal effort.  Consequently, any form of cheating on examinations or plagiarism on assigned papers constitutes unacceptable deceit and dishonesty.”

 

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty

“Penalties for academic dishonesty will depend on the seriousness of the offense and may include assignment of an “F” or a numerical value of zero on the subject paper, lab report, etc., an “F” or an “FF” grade (the latter indicating academic dishonesty) in the course, suspension or expulsion from the University.”  In this course, a FF is assigned for any cheating in the assigned HW, quizzes and/or competency tests.

 

Disruption of Academic Process

“Disruption of the classroom or teaching environment is also unacceptable.  This cannot be tolerated in the University community, and will be punishable, according to the seriousness of the offense.”

 

Punishment Guidelines for Disruption of Academic Process

“Punishment for disruption of academic process will depend on the seriousness of the disruption and will range from a private verbal reprimand to dismissal from class with a final grade of “W,” if the student is passing the course.  If the student is not passing, a grade of “F” will be shown on the student record.  Particularly serious instances of disruption of the academic process may result in suspension or permanent expulsion from the University.”

 

Recording

All unauthorized recordings of class are prohibited.  Recordings that accommodate individual student needs must be approved in advance and may be used for personal use during the semester only; redistribution is strictly prohibited.

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CLASS RULES

In response to student requests and instructor observations, the following class rules will apply in this course:

  1. Put the cell phones on silent or vibrate.  Cell phones should be out of sight and not answered inside the classroom.
  2. No checking of e-mail or internet surfing in the class or during the breaks.
  3. No food or drink in the lab, a drink is allowed during the lecture.
  4. No talking during lecture (except for questions to instructor or discussion time).
  5. No reading newspapers or magazines or solving crossword puzzles, etc.
  6. No working on other coursework during lecture.
  7. No use of laptops.
  8. No use of portable electronic music devices (mp3 players, iPods, etc).

 

The purpose of these class rules is to eliminate activity that is disruptive to the academic process.  Most students view these as a common courtesy to the instructor and fellow students.  Failure to comply with a class rule will be viewed as a Disruption to the Academic Process.  The penalty for such disruption is given in the syllabus.

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