Numerical Modelling

In this course you learn to use numerical methods to solve simple problems in fluid dynamics. We study exact and numerical solutions of partial differential equations linked to advection, diffusion, oscillation and wave processes, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different numerical schemes.

You will learn to use methods to solve initial value problems and study how different boundary conditions affect the results.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can use correct terminology to describe what a numerical model is and general aspect of numerical models used in meteorology, oceanography and climate
• can test a scheme for numerical stability
• can discuss how the resolution of different scales influence the model results, and discriminate physical effects and model artefacts
• can describe how to optimize simple numerical advection schemes by using flux limiters

Skills

The student

• can discretize an equation in a consistent way, and assess the accuracy of the discretization
• can analyze the various sources of error that may turn up in the model, like damping errors and phase errors
• can discuss limitations of a numerical model

General competence

The student

• can use write code to perform simple numerical calculations
• can use numerical models as tools to solve differential equations related to meteorology, oceanography and climate
• can make graphics and effectively present data from a numerical in an appropriate manner

Spring

Enrolment to this course is based on application. Application deadline is wednesday in week 2 for the spring semester. Please see this page for more information: www.uib.no/en/nt/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity