Computational Physics

Class(es): BS 8th, MSc 4th

Course Code(s): PHYS-406, PHYS-606

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction:

Computational physics is the study and implementation of numerical algorithms to solve problems in physics by means of computers. Computational physics, in particular, solve equations numerically. Finding a solution numerically is useful, as there are very few systems for which an analytical solution is known. Another field of computational physics is the simulation of many-body/particle systems; in this area, virtual reality is created which is sometimes also referred to as the 3rd branch of physics (between experiments and theory).

The evaluation and visualization of large data sets, which can come from numerical simulations or experimental data (for example maps in geophysics) is also part of computational physics.

Computational physics plays an important role in the following fields:

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows
Classical Phase Transition: percolation, critical phenomena
Solid State Physics (Quantum Mechanics)
High Energy Physics / Particle Physics: in particular Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (“Lattice QCD”)
Astrophysics: many-body simulations of stars, galaxies etc.
Geophysics and Solid Mechanics: earthquake simulations, fracture, rupture, crack propagation etc.
Agent Models (interdisciplinary): complex networks in biology, economy, social sciences and many others

Recommended Books:

Introduction to Computational Physics by M. L. De Jong,, Addison Wesley Publishing Company Inc., Massachusetts (1991).
C++: The Complete Reference (4th edition) by Herbert Schildt, Osborne/McGraw-Hill (2000).
A First Course in COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS by Paul L. DeVries, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (1994).
Computational Physics by S.T. Koonini, The Benjamin/Coming Publishing Inc., California (1986).
Computational Techniques in Physics by P.K. Macheown & D.J. Merman, Adm Hilger, Bristol (1987).
An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods by H. Gould & J. TobochnikAddison Wesley Publishing Company, Rading Massachusetts (1988).
Numerical Methods for Engineers with Personal Computer Applications by S.C. Chapra & R.P. Chanle, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York (1965).