Bergische Universität Wuppertal
Fachbereich Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften
Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACM)

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Prof. Dr. Pavel Petrov

Lecture Summer Term 2025:

Mathematical Modelling of Wave Propagation in Complex Media
(Advanced Topic)



Schedule
(Start of Lecture 15.04.25)
 
 Lecture   Tue,  10:00 - 11:30   Room G.13.18 starting April 15
 Lecture   Thu,  16:00 - 17:30   Room G.16.09 starting April 17
 Exercise   Fr,  10:00 - 11:30   Room G.15.34 starrting April 25

Please also register here in MOODLE!

Outline of the Lecture


This is a course on the mathematical modeling of wave phenomena in application areas such as acoustics, geophysics, radio waves, and optics. We consider mathematical methods for solving various types of PDEs related to wave propagation in concrete practical situations. The goal of the course is also to provide students with a large toolbox of mathematical techniques that can be used when dealing with various real-world problems of applied mathematics. Furthermore, by approaching the modeling of wave propagation in different ways, we will try to highlight certain connections between different areas of mathematics and physics.

The course includes practical exercises in which students will actually perform simulations of wavefields, resulting in beautiful plots.

The lecture is suitable for students of mathematics as well as for physics.
The students of techno- or economathematics can use it as component AKap.NAaA-a "Selected Topics in Numerical Analysis and Algorithms" in the module of the same name.


Topics of the Lecture:

  1. Wave equation and Helmholtz equation, guided waves, solution by Fourier method
  2. parabolic equations theory for sound and radio waves
  3. normal modes and mode-based solution techniques
  4. iterative parabolic equations
  5. invariant imbedding method
  6. practical applications in underwater acoustics: shallow- and deep-water waveguides, shallow-to-deep scenario
  7. noise monitoring and mitigation, impact onto marine fauna
  8. effective propagation velocities and acoustic ranging
  9. whispering-gallery waves in a shallow sea
  10. Practical classes: implementing a simple solver of Helmholtz equation (normal modes), a parabolic equation solver, noise impact assessment tool.
detailed outline of the lecture.


Literature:


Previous knowledge: Analysis I - III, basic knowledge of ordinary differential equations.


Exercises: Exercise Sheets, Materials


Criteria: Regular participation and participation in the exercise groups, as well as reaching 50% of the possible points on the first seven or the remaining exercise sheets and at least 2/3 of the possible points for the practical tasks.




University of Wuppertal
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Department of Mathematics
Applied Mathematics & Numerical Analysis Group

Last modified:   Disclaimer   ehrhardt@math.uni-wuppertal.de