Computational Physics

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Computer algebra. 3. Scientific programming in C. 4. C++ extensions to C. 5. Chaotic pendulum. 6. Matrix algebra. 7. Ordinary differential equations. 8. Integration of ODEs. 9. Partial differential equations. 10. Wave equation. 11.Particle in cell codes. 12. Short time critical dynamics. 13. Monte Carlo methods and simulation. 14. Temperature of Ising Spin models. Bibliography. Index.

Computational Physics is the study and implementation of numerical algorithms to solve problems in  physics, for which a quantitative theory already exists. It is often regarded as a sub discipline of theoretical physics but some consider it an intermediate branch between theoretical and experimental physics. Physicists often have a very precise mathematical theory, describing how a system would behave. It is often the case that solving the theory equations, ab initio in order to produce a useful prediction is not practical. This is especially true with quantum mechanics where only a handful of simple models have complete analytic solutions. In cases where the systems only have numerical solutions computational methods are used. Computation now represents an essential component of modern research in accelerator physics astrophysics fluid mechanics lattice field theory and lattice gauge theory especially lattice quantum chromo dynamics plasma physics and solid state physics. Computational solid state physics uses density functional theory to calculate properties of solids a method similar to that used by chemists to study molecules.

Present book covers all dimensions of the subject particularly aimed at the students who intend to master in this particular field. This book is an asset for all scholars researchers and students. (jacket)