PC2911 Introduction to Computational Physics

An introduction to computational physics, simulation, and data analysis. Covered topics include: basic programming flow and syntax, numerical integration of ordinary and partial differential equations, digital signal processing and filtering, and an overview of regression analysis and curve fitting. Special emphasis will be placed on solutions to problems relevant to combat systems (e.g., ballistics simulations, spectral filtering of audio signals, etc.). The course is self-contained and assumes no prior programming experience.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

• Understand trade-offs between different numerical ODE and PDE integration algorithms
• Apply integration algorithms to physics-based weapons simulations
• Understand the process of testing and validating numerical models
• Estimate weapons performance using probabilities of kill
• Analyze data using curve fitting and coordinate transformations
• Understand goodness of fit statistics and residuals
• Apply signal processing techniques for spectral filtering