Acta Numerica – Volume 16

Citation

Mann, C.J.H. (2009), "Acta Numerica – Volume 16", Kybernetes, Vol. 38 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2009.06738aae.001

Acta Numerica – Volume 16

Article Type: Book reports From: Kybernetes, Volume 38, Issue 1/2

Edited by Arieh Iserles,Cambridge University Press,2007,Hardback £65.00,478 pp.,ISBN 13:978052187743.5

This compilation of invited survey papers is concerned with numerical mathematics and scientific computing. In its 16th volume it is an annual publication. This issue consists of six contributions which cover the mathematics involved in the computations in physical systems.

The papers published are:

“Molecular dynamics and the accuracy of numerically computed averages” – an introduction is given to the technique of molecular dynamics and a short survey of recent developments discussed.

“Modelling atmospheric flows” – concerns weather and climate prediction; numerical methods are used for the models.

“Finite volume methods for hyperbolic conservation laws” – the finite volume method allows the representation and the evaluation of the partial differential, equations as algebraic equations. See also its reference to finite element analysis.

“Semi-analytic geometry with R-functions” – R-functions allow the construction of “analysis descriptions”. Some important R-function results are discussed.

“Filters modifiers and the computation of the Gibbs phenomenon” – the odd way in which the Fourier series of a piecewise continuously differentiable periodic function behaves at a jump discontinuity describes the Gibbs phenomenon. Both mollifiers and filters are discussed in the context of recent researches.