Contents



Preface

Information technologies have changed people's lives to a great extent, and now it is almost impossible to imagine any activity that does not depend on computers in some way. Since the invention of first computer systems, people have been trying to avail computers in order to solve complex problems in various areas. The need for computer systems in the calculation of different building and automotive constructions has appeared with the development of industry. Traditional methods of calculation have been replaced by computer programs that have the ability to predict the behavior of structures under different loading conditions. Hence, expensive experiments, tests and examinations had been replaced by cheaper and more powerful computational methods that do not require the destruction of structure in

Computer simulation or a computer model has the task to simulate the behavior of an abstract model of a particular system. Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in physics, quantum mechanics, chemistry and biology, then in economic systems, psychology and social sciences, as well as in the engineering process of new technologies, in order to gain a

In comparison to classical modeling (model making, prototyping, etc.), mathematical and numerical modeling is more cost-effective and model itself can be checked and examined much faster and in a more efficient way, therefore one does not need to use considerable material resources - money, raw materials for modeling, energy, etc. Mathematical modeling provides more freedom for engineers to utilize different variations of components, elements and parameters of conceived technical solutions. The advantage of this type of modeling is the fact that only important and

poorly tested elements of the system can be submitted to modeling.

has the significant influence on the quality of designed model.

Any kind of previously mentioned process of modeling requires the engineers' excellent knowledge in the field one is considering, as well as the methods used for solving the required task. The attained knowledge through permanent education

Computer simulations are different from computer programs. Contrary to computer programs that run for a few minutes, simulations can be run on the local network and can last for hours or even for days. It can be said that the simulations exceeded many methods that use pencil and paper for solving any kind of mathe-

The first chapter of this book illustrates the usage of pilot Fortran software library for the solution of Laplace's Equation by the boundary element method (BEM). The second chapter describes the optimal control of thermal pollution emitted by power plants. In the third chapter, the authors present the finite difference solution of conjugate heat transfer in double pipe with trapezoidal fins. The fourth chapter deals with a photovoltaic system integrated into the buildings. The fifth chapter presents the way in which computer simulation affect the practice of diagnosis in

order to determine its capacity.

matical problems.

better insight into their way of working and behaving.
