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  • Textbook
  • © 2016

Basic Concepts in Computational Physics

  • Now with ready to use C++ program code available online

  • Contains heavily expanded chapters on molecular dynamics, PDEs, random generators, Monte Carlo applications, data analysis and data optimization

  • Presents deterministic methods are presented on a par with stochastic methods

  • Mathematically precise, but driven by the needs of physicists

  • Extensive appendices deepen the knowledge and present the mathematical basis

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  • Read on any device
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Softcover Book USD 59.99
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  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

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Table of contents (20 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvi
  2. Some Basic Remarks

    • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
    Pages 1-13
  3. Deterministic Methods

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 15-15
    2. Numerical Differentiation

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 17-30
    3. Numerical Integration

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 31-52
    4. The Kepler Problem

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 53-61
    5. Ordinary Differential Equations: Initial Value Problems

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 63-83
    6. The Double Pendulum

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 85-101
    7. Molecular Dynamics

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 103-116
    8. Numerics of Ordinary Differential Equations: Boundary Value Problems

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 117-129
    9. The One-Dimensional Stationary Heat Equation

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 131-138
    10. The One-Dimensional Stationary Schrödinger Equation

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 139-156
    11. Partial Differential Equations

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 157-180
  4. Stochastic Methods

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 181-181
    2. Pseudo-random Number Generators

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 183-195
    3. Random Sampling Methods

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 197-209
    4. A Brief Introduction to Monte-Carlo Methods

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 211-223
    5. The Ising Model

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 225-246
    6. Some Basics of Stochastic Processes

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 247-270
    7. The Random Walk and Diffusion Theory

      • Benjamin A. Stickler, Ewald Schachinger
      Pages 271-295

About this book

This new edition is a concise introduction to the basic methods of computational physics. Readers will discover the benefits of numerical methods for solving complex mathematical problems and for the direct simulation of physical processes.

The book is divided into two main parts: Deterministic methods and stochastic methods in computational physics. Based on concrete problems, the first part discusses numerical differentiation and integration, as well as the treatment of ordinary differential equations. This is extended by a brief introduction to the numerics of partial differential equations. The second part deals with the generation of random numbers, summarizes the basics of stochastics, and subsequently introduces Monte-Carlo (MC) methods. Specific emphasis is on MARKOV chain MC algorithms. The final two chapters discuss data analysis and stochastic optimization. All this is again motivated and augmented by applications from physics. In addition, the book offers a number of appendices to provide the reader with information on topics not discussed in the main text.

Numerous problems with worked-out solutions, chapter introductions and summaries, together with a clear and application-oriented style support the reader. Ready to use C++ codes are provided online.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Faculty of Physics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany

    Benjamin A. Stickler

  • Graz University of Technology, Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics, Graz, Austria

    Ewald Schachinger

About the authors

Ewald Schachinger is a Professor in the Institute for Theoretical and Computational Physics in Graz University of Technology, Austria. 
Benjamin A. Stickler is a Professor in the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. 

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 44.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access