In this book, which focuses on the use of iterative methods for solving large sparse systems of linear equations, templates are introduced to meet the needs of both the traditional user and the high-performance specialist. Templates, a description of a general algorithm rather than the executable object or source code more commonly found in a conventional software library, offer whatever degree of customization the user may desire. Templates offer three distinct advantages: they are general and reusable; they are not language specific; and they exploit the expertise of both the numerical analyst, who creates a template reflecting in-depth knowledge of a specific numerical technique, and the computational scientist, who then provides "value-added" capability to the general template description, customizing it for specific needs. For each template that is presented, the authors provide: a mathematical description of the flow of algorithm; discussion of convergence and stopping criteria to use in the iteration; suggestions for applying a method to special matrix types; advice for tuning the template; tips on parallel implementations; and hints as to when and why a method is useful.

Mathematics of Computing -- Numerical Analysis.

Mathematics of Computing -- Numerical Analysis.

The Lanczos and conjugate gradient (CG) algorithms are fascinating numerical algorithms. This book presents the most comprehensive discussion to date of the use of these methods for computing eigenvalues and solving linear systems in both exact and floating point arithmetic. The author synthesizes the research done over the past 30 years, describing and explaining the "average" behavior of these methods and providing new insight into their properties in finite precision. Many examples are given that show significant results obtained by researchers in the field. The author emphasizes how both algorithms can be used efficiently in finite precision arithmetic, regardless of the growth of rounding errors that occurs. He details the mathematical properties of both algorithms and demonstrates how the CG algorithm is derived from the Lanczos algorithm. Loss of orthogonality involved with using the Lanczos algorithm, ways to improve the maximum attainable accuracy of CG computations, and what modifications need to be made when the CG method is used with a preconditioner are addressed.

This book investigates some of the difficulties related to scientific computing, describing how these can be overcome.

This text covers design issues for building search engines, emphasizing the role that applied mathematics plays in improving information retrieval.

This compact yet thorough tutorial is the perfect introduction to the basic concepts of solving partial differential equations (PDEs) using parallel numerical methods. In just eight short chapters, the authors provide readers with enough basic knowledge of PDEs, discretization methods, solution techniques, parallel computers, parallel programming, and the run-time behavior of parallel algorithms to allow them to understand, develop, and implement parallel PDE solvers. Examples throughout the book are intentionally kept simple so that the parallelization strategies are not dominated by technical details.

A valuable reference on the Lanczos method for graduate numerical analysts and engineers.

Casimir effects serve as primary examples of directly observable manifestations of the nontrivial properties of quantum fields, and as such are attracting increasing interest from quantum field theorists, particle physicists, and cosmologists. Furthermore, though very weak except at short distances, Casimir forces are universal in the sense that all material objects are subject to them. They are thus also an increasingly important part of the physics of atom-surface interactions, while in nanotechnology they are being investigated not only as contributors to ‘stiction’ but also as potential mechanisms for actuating micro-electromechanical devices. While the field of Casimir physics is expanding rapidly, it has reached a level of maturity in some important respects: on the experimental side, where most sources of imprecision in force measurements have been identified as well as on the theoretical side, where, for example, semi-analytical and numerical methods for the computation of Casimir forces between bodies of arbitrary shape have been successfully developed. This book is, then, a timely and comprehensive guide to the essence of Casimir (and Casimir-Polder) physics that will have lasting value, serving the dual purpose of an introduction and reference to the field. While this volume is not intended to be a unified textbook, but rather a collection of largely independent chapters written by prominent experts in the field, the detailed and carefully written articles adopt a style that should appeal to non-specialist researchers in the field as well as to a broader audience of graduate students.

This up-to-date reference is the most comprehensive summary of the field of nanoscience and its applications. It begins with fundamental properties at the nanoscale and then goes well beyond into the practical aspects of the design, synthesis, and use of nanomaterials in various industries. It emphasizes the vast strides made in the field over the past decade – the chapters focus on new, promising directions as well as emerging theoretical and experimental methods. The contents incorporate experimental data and graphs where appropriate, as well as supporting tables and figures with a tutorial approach.