"Numerical Methods and Modelling for Engineering" by Khoury, Richard, Harder, Douglas Wilhelm

This textbook provides a step-by-step approach to numerical methods in engineering modelling. The authors provide a consistent treatment of the topic, from the ground up, to reinforce for students that numerical methods are a set of mathematical modelling tools which allow engineers to represent real-world systems and compute features of these systems with a predictable error rate.

Each method presented addresses a specific type of problem, namely root-finding, optimization, integral, derivative, initial value problem, or boundary value problem, and each one encompasses a set of algorithms to solve the problem given some information and to a known error bound. The authors demonstrate that after developing a proper model and understanding of the engineering situation they are working on, engineers can break down a model into a set of specific mathematical problems, and then implement the appropriate numerical methods to solve these problems.


Uses a “building-block” approach, starting with simpler mathematical tools and using them to develop more and more complex models and methods;
Integrates modelling, error measuring, and programming, with numerical methods, in order to give an engineering emphasis to an otherwise mathematical topic;
Demonstrates not only how the math and algorithms work but also how they can be used in engineering practice.