Computational Physics at Carleton University Index
Course Information Numerical Methods Monte Carlo Methods Statistics for Physicists Special Topics
Ordinary Differential Equations


Ordinary Differential Equations

Any Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) can be rewritten in terms of a set of first-order ODE's. Euler's method to solve first order ODE's is simple to understand but can be inaccurate and unstable. Instead, it is recommended to use Runge-Kutta and Bulirsch-Stoer methods for general problems.

The exercise applies these methods to the problem of a pendulum consisting of a object connected to a pivot point by an elastic rod.

Reference:

Numerical Recipies, chapter 16.

By clicking the above thumbnail page images, you can peruse the slides. You can also download the (276K) colour postscript file that contains these slides.

The entire set of slides for this course is available in colour postscript or in black and white postscript.