Last Updated: 8-26-98

USEM 170 - 28, Modeling in the Computer Age
Fall 1998



Taught by:

Robert J. Ribando
Department of Mechanical,
Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University of Virginia

Meets: Thursdays 1300-1500 in MEC 345
Schedule Number: 93331

Course Purpose:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This course has nothing whatever to do with fashion modeling (i.e., Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, et al.). Sorry to disappoint you!

When many people think of modeling, they have in mind a replica, normally smaller than actual size, of some physical object or system. Such modeling plays a vital engineering role, for instance, in aircraft and bridge design and in the layout of complex piping systems in chemical processing plants. In addition, the building of model aircraft, cars, etc., gives endless hours of pleasure to hobbyists, both young and old. Increasingly, however, modeling is more likely to take the form of equations to be solved by a computer rather than in the construction of three-dimensional physical models to be built, viewed and tested in laboratory or shop.

In this University Seminar we will examine computer modeling at an elementary level, specifically how engineers, scientists, planners, economists and even some computer game designers go from a set of fundamental governing principles and assumptions, through the implementation on a computer, to the interpretation and validation, and sometimes even the implementation of predicted results. How do we take a simple system and describe it to a machine? How do we take a complex system such as the global weather pattern or the aerodynamics of an airplane and simplify our description enough that a computer simulation is possible? What does the computer do with our model? How do we even look at all the numbers the computer gives us? Can we ever be sure that our computer model is "right"? Is there still a role for "real" models?

Over the course of the semester several simple models will be implemented, most probably using a spreadsheet. Other examples will be drawn from the instructor's own work in computational fluid mechanics and heat transfer and using materials developed recently under the University's Teaching and Technology Initiative.

Text:

The text is: How to Model It: Problem Solving for the Computer Age, by A.M.Starfield, K.A.Smith, and A.L.Bleloch, McGraw-Hill (1990). We will be covering most chapters. Please check the assignments section of the web page for reading assignments; in some cases it is expected that you not read the chapter in advance of class (because possible solutions to exercises we'll do in class are given away).

Attendance

Since we only meet once a week, students are expected to attend all classes. Points may be deducted from the final grade of any student who is habitually absent or late and, in extreme cases the student will be dropped from the course.

Computer Assignments

Occasionally we will find that a simple spreadsheet calculation will allow us to get answers faster, explore parameter ranges, determine sensitivities, visualize (plot) results, etc. In order to facilitate your using a spreadsheet when appropriate, we'll spend some class time learning some rudimentary spreadsheet skills - something that will certainly be of value to you regardless of your intended major.

Projects

Each student will present and submit both a midterm and a final project. The midterm project will be a review of some work in modeling; the final project will involve modeling something yourself. To ensure that the final project you wish to do is acceptable, you will be required to submit a one-page description of your proposed project no later than Nov. 5.

Honor System

This is an elective course; that is, you chose to take it. Thus I will assume that any work you turn in is an fair indicator of your own skill and mastery of the subject. Any significant assistance received from another student or the instructor should be acknowledged in writing on any work submitted. This is a matter of personal honesty as well as proper professional ethics.

Grade

Homeworks 30%
Mid-semester project/presentation 20%
Final project/presentation 30%
Class participation 30%

Office Hours

You are welcome to visit, e-mail, fax or call at anytime.

Prerequisites

First year standing or permission of the instructor.

Communications

Any materials not provided in class, homework assignments, etc., will be posted to the class website . It is your responsibility to check that regularly.

Impairments

Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation because of an impairment should come see me.

Schedule

1 - Sept. 3: Chap.1, Introduction

2 - Sept. 10:

3 - Sept. 17:

4 - Sept. 24:

5 - Oct. 1:

6 - Oct. 8:

7 - Oct. 15:

8 - Oct. 22: Mid-Term Presentation

9 - Oct. 29:

10 - Nov. 5: Final Project Proposal due

11 - Nov. 12:

12 - Nov. 19:

13 - Dec. 3:

14 - Dec. 10: Final Presentations

Assignments, Materials, etc.