Mathematics for Engineers and Technologists

5

Differential equations

Summary

This chapter introduces ordinary differential equations, shows how they can be used to model the behaviour of systems in engineering and looks at their solution for different inputs to the systems. Differential equations arise from such situations as the lumped models designed to represent systems (see chapter 3), the motion of projectiles, the cooling of a solid or liquid, transient currents and voltages in electrical circuits, oscillations with mechanical or electrical systems and the rate of decay of radioactive substances.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, the reader should be able to:

• represent engineering systems by differential equations;

• solve first- and second-order differential equations; ...