Introduction

This book presents various MATLAB applications in mechanics and applied mathematics. Our objective is to employ numerical methods in examples emphasizing the appeal of MATLAB as a programming tool. The programs are intended for study as a primary component of the text. The numerical methods used include interpolation, numerical integration, Þnite differences, linear algebra, Fourier analysis, roots of nonlinear equations, linear differential equations, nonlinear differential equations, linear partial differential equations, analytic functions, and optimization methods. Many intrinsic MATLAB functions are used along with some utility functions developed by the authors. The physical applications vary widely from solution of linear and nonlinear differential equations in mechanical system dynamics to geometrical property calculations for areas and volumes.