Additional information
by Vemuri Balakotaiah (Author), Ram R. Ratnakar (Author)
This textbook gives a unified treatment of the solution of various linear equations that arise in science and engineering with examples. It is based on a course taught by the first author for over thirty years. Some unique features include:
- Use of symbolic software for illustrating and enhancing the impact of physical parameter changes on solutions.
- Multi-scale analysis of engineering problems with physical interpretation of time and length scales in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors/eigenfunctions.
- Discussion of compartment models for various finite dimensional problems.
- Evaluation and illustration of functions of matrices (and use of symbolic manipulation) to solve multi-component diffusion-convection-reaction problems.
- Illustration of the techniques and interpretation of solutions to several classical engineering problems.
- Emphasis on the connection between discrete (matrix algebra) and continuum.
- Physical interpretation of adjoint operator and adjoint systems.
- Use of complex analysis and algebra in the solution of practical engineering problems.
Author Biography
Vemuri Balakotaiah is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and holds the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair at the University of Houston.
Professor Vemuri Balakotaiah started his career as a research scientist at Shell in Houston, Texas, followed by Dow Chemical and Sabic. From 1980 onwards extensive teaching experience at several universities. Currently at High Roy & Lillie Cranz Cullen, distinguished University Chair,
Cullen College of Engineering. Around 210 journal articles, chapters in several books, plus 6 patents to his name.
Awards:
2007: Flour-Daniel Faculty Excellence Award, Cullen College of Engineering
2003: Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship, University of Houston
2001: Ya. B. Zeldovich Award, The Dow Chemical Company
1998-2001: Member, Modeling Technical Advisory Board, The Dow Chemical Company
Ram R. Ratnakar is a Subject Matter Expert (Thermodynamics/PVT) and a Sr. Researcher in R&D Mathematics & Computation at Shell Int. E&P. He is at present Reservoir Engineer at Shell in Houston. Before this he was an Research Assistant at the University of Houston, Texas and has 24 publications to his name.
