2.086 Class Home

2.086 Numerical Computation for Mechanical Engineers

Spring 2013

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Mobile Robot Suspension System (Courtesy of James Penn.)

Instructor: Anthony T Patera

Recitation Instructors: James Douglass Penn, Jekanthan Thangavelautham, Andres Klee Valenzuela

Lecture: TR2.30-4 (3-270)
Recitation Sections: M11-2, or M2-5, or W2-5, or F10-1, or F1-4 (all recitations in 1-115)

Course Description:

Covers elementary programming concepts, including variable types, data structures, and flow control. Provides an introduction to linear algebra and probability and statistics. Numerical methods relevant to MechE, including approximation (interpolation, least squares, and statistical regression), integration, solution of linear and nonlinear equations, and ordinary differential equations. Presents deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Uses examples from MechE, particularly from robotics, dynamics, and structural analysis. Assignments require MATLAB programming.

2.090 meets with 2.086 the first half of the term and 2.087 and 2.088 meets with 2.086 the second half of the term.

Announcements

Lecture 26: Introduction to Finite Element Method

Hi!

We've added a new topic --- Additional Topics --- and have uploaded Professor Patera's lecture notes for today's class there.

Best,

...Debbie

Announced on 16 May 2013 2:02 p.m. by Debra R Blanchard

This week in 2.086 lecture.

Tuesday (14 May) Lecture. We will devote this lecture to a feedback session. I have prepared questions and some proposed changes related to each aspect of 2.086. Your feedback will allow us to better focus our continual improvement efforts. Of course participation is elective on your part, but I hope you will find the time to attend.

Thursday (16 May) Lecture. I will give a short introduction to the finite element method. The finite element method (e.g., as applied to solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, acoustics, ...) is one of the most frequently invoked and important "high-level" numerical procedures in mechanical engineering. Note this material will not be assessed, and hence participation is entirely elective/optional.

Best,
Tony

Announced on 13 May 2013 1:56 p.m. by Debra R Blanchard

Assignment 6 is due at 5 PM on Thursday, May 16.

Hi:

Make sure to take good advantage of the recitations today (Friday), and the recitations on Monday and Wednesday of next week, to finish up Assignment 6.

Note there are no recitations on Friday, May 17.

Best,

...Debbie

Announced on 10 May 2013 11:16 a.m. by Debra R Blanchard

Assignment 6 errata

There are two small errata in the Assignment 6 statement:

First, in Question 1, where it says, "the output is the 2x1 vector residual," it should instead say, "the output is the 2x1 vector f". Second, in Question 4, in the middle of page 7, where it says, "You may find that the Matlab built-in function sort with two outputs is very convenient," it should instead say, "You may find that the Matlab built-in function min with two outputs is very convenient."

Sorry about that.

James

Announced on 09 May 2013 4:41 p.m. by James Douglass Penn

Bring laptops to lecture today

Just a reminder that today's lecture period will be devoted to a working session on Assignment 6 --- so please bring your laptops. All the instructors will be available and you should be able to make good progress on this last assignment (and final piece of 2.086 for the semester).

Best,
Tony

Announced on 09 May 2013 9:43 a.m. by Debra R Blanchard

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