CIVE 481/881 Computational Problem Solving in Civil Engineering

Introduction to numerical methods for solving civil engineering problems, including ODEs, PDEs, and machine learning approaches.

Instructor: Yumeng Zhao

Term: Spring

Location: University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Course Description

This course introduces how to use numerical methods to solve civil engineering problems. Topics include Finite Difference Method (FDM) and its numerical stability, consistency, convergence; numerical methods for 1st order, higher order Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), Partial Differential Equations (PDE); systems of ODEs/PDEs; other numerical methods (FVM/FEM/SPH/DEM);and fundamental machine learning approaches for relevant questions.

Examples cover a wide range of topics not only limited to civil engineering, including:

  • Solid mechanics
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Heat transfer
  • Chemical transport
  • Transportation networks
  • Biological systems
  • Earth processes

Course Materials