Differential Equations for Engineers

This book presents a systematic and comprehensive introduction to ordinary differential equations for engineering students and practitioners. Mathematical concepts and various techniques are presented in a clear, logical, and concise manner. Various visual features are used to highlight focus areas. Complete illustrative diagrams are used to facilitate mathematical modeling of application problems. Readers are motivated by a focus on the relevance of differential equations through their applications in various engineering disciplines. Studies of various types of differential equations are determined by engineering applications. Theory and techniques for solving differential equations are then applied to solve practical engineering problems. Detailed step-by-step analysis is presented to model the engineering problems using differential equations from physical principles and to solve the differential equations using the easiest possible method. Such a detailed, step-by-step approach, especially when applied to practical engineering problems, helps the readers to develop problem-solving skills. This book is suitable for use not only as a textbook on ordinary differential equations for undergraduate students in an engineering program but also as a guide to self-study. It can also be used as a reference after students have completed learning the subject.

About the Author

Wei-Chau Xie is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering and the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. He is the author of Dynamic Stability of Structures and has published numerous journal articles on dynamic stability, structural dynamics and random vibration, nonlinear dynamics and stochastic mechanics, reliability and safety analysis of engineering systems, and seismic analysis and design of engineering structures. He has been teaching differential equations to engineering students for almost twenty years. He received the Teaching Excellence Award in 2001 in recognition of his exemplary record of outstanding teaching, concern for students, and commitment to the development and enrichment of engineering education at Waterloo. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2007, which is the highest formal recognition given by the University of Waterloo for a superior record of continued excellence in teaching.