Mathematical Modelling Techniques (Dover Books on Computer Science) [Paperback]

Rutherford Aris (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486681319 | ISBN-13: 978-0486681313 | Publication Date: January 27, 1995 | Edition: Rei Una

Highly useful volume discusses the types of models, how to formulate and manipulate them for best results. Numerous examples.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Rei Una edition (January 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486681319
• ISBN-13: 978-0486681313
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #442,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mathematical Modelling Genius, July 27, 2003

By 

Mr Steven L. McGahey (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematical Modelling Techniques (Dover Books on Computer Science) (Paperback)

One thousand word limit to this review, eh? Well, I could do it in one word: Fantastic.

This book approaches mathematical modelling from a conceptual level, with Rutherford explaining how to make numbers dance through equations any which way you want them. His depth of knowledge as a Chemical Engineer, combined with his fantastic mathematical skills means that he has knows what needs to be done in various situations and how best to do it.

The attribute that makes this, and all of Rutherfords work stand out from the rest of the pack, is his undeniable presence when writing. Rhetoric, personal insights and may the dry-and-dusty-academic world forgive him, humour (!) can be found throughout this book, making its reading quite pleasurable.

Finally, a number of thoughtful articles of his have been bound into the back of this edition, providing useful "food for thought" for those people for whom modelling is a way of life. If you are considering any of the finer points of mathematical modelling (I was doing a PhD on the subject), this book is a must-have (not just a must-read). You'll come back to it time and time again for the articles, long after you've digested the rest of the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting and thought provoking, but not as your first book in modelling, September 11, 2010

By 

cincosauces - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematical Modelling Techniques (Dover Books on Computer Science) (Paperback)

This is an extremely rich book which deals with the basics and philosophy of mathematical modelling. Despite it's age, the book has a lot to give to those who already have experience in the field of mathematical modelling and who certainly will see through the oddities of the book and appreciate its many subtleties. The book is affordable and is well written, albeit in a form that seems "ancient". The author was not only an outstanding scientist but also a gifted writer and a highly educated person. His prose might therefore feel strange for people not used to read philosophical or more verbose "social science"-type texts. I enjoyed the book indeed, but I would not recommend it as your first approach to mathematical modelling. For that purpose you might choose Edward A. Bender's book instead.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars are we reading the same book ?!?, March 17, 2010

By 

Greg Ruo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematical Modelling Techniques (Dover Books on Computer Science) (Paperback)

I read the previous two reviews and purchased this book... and now I am quite disappointed. Frankly, I wonder if these reviews are made by real users, or...

First of all, this book is a mere reprint of a 1978 edition. The fonts are typewriter-style of three decades ago, so symbols are awkward and difficult to read. Many drawing and sketches are handwritten.

The first two chapters it talks in general about what is a model. These chapters are mainly philosophical, pretty boring in my opinion.

The third chapter "How to formulate a model" should contain what I was looking for. However, it describe in very general terms how you can put down a model. The description is in my opinion too general, discussing trivial well known principles. There is not a clear, well-stated method of approach. I expected a discussion based on examples of real life problems, firstly simple ones then going to more complex ones. Instead the author make a foggy presentation on how to deal with a problem, jumping to another one, without a clear line of thought.

The treatment is incredibly jumpy: the third equation of this chapter is already involving integrals, page 38 starts with "How to formulate a model", page 41 there is an example involving triple integrals on a volume...

If you are interested in a modern book that guides you or your students to the art of putting down a mathematical model of a system you want to describe, I do not think this book is for you and I do not suggest you to purchase it.

Honestly, I have no idea how this book can be useful at all these days.

MR