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I really like the idea of introducing classical mechanics and methods of numerical solution alongside one another. I do feel that physics at the undergraduate
by neutronicus 16y ago
I really like the idea of introducing classical mechanics and methods of numerical solution alongside one another. I do feel that physics at the undergraduate level fetishizes pencil and paper to the detriment of understanding how complex a classical system really can be.
I am also ecstatic about the choice of not-Fortran for representing the algorithms.
Makes me tempted to try and write a "Structure and Interpretation of Neutron Transport"
- jessriedel 16y agoI've taken several courses in classical mechanics, and I've never seen anyone give a proper treatment of complex (really, chaotic) systems unless the entire course in devoted to it. The ideas are so different and time-consuming that it just cannot be introduced alongside simple classical mechanics. That said, numerical simulations of simple systems (harmonic oscillators, perturbed oscillators, etc.) can be a helpful partner to analytical study.
- ericlavigne 16y agoMakes me tempted to try and write a "Structure and Interpretation of Neutron Transport" Let me know if you do - I'd be interested in reviewing early drafts. I studied nuclear engineering in grad school, but enjoyed the computational aspects enough to leave the field and start a career in programming instead. I don't recall liking any of the textbooks.