Information Package / Course Catalogue
Variational Methods in Engineering
Course Code: MCE521
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: English
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 8
Objectives of the Course

Teaching Variational Methods in Engineering in graduate level and giving the ability of using them in engineering and mathematical physic problems

Course Content

Problems of minimization and maximization. Functionals. Classical problems in calculus of variations, Euler equations, Variational notation, Natural boundary conditions, Hamilton's principle, Lagrange equations. Transformation of boundary value problems into the problem of calculus of variation. Direct methods; Ritz method, Galerkin method, Kantorovich method, Weighted residual method. (Applications on Fluids, Solids and Structural Engineering problems.)

Name of Lecturer(s)
Prof. Ebru DURAL
Learning Outcomes
1.formulate variational problems
2.analyse problems to deduce key properties of system behaviour
3.Having the knowledge about Variational Methods İn Engineering in graduate level
4.Having the ability of using Variational Methods in calculation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of mathematical problems in engineering
5.Solving simple initial boundary value problems by using several variable calculus.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Methods of Applied Mathematics, F. B. Hildebrand, 2nd edition, 1965 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
2.Energy and Variational Methods in Applied Mechanics, J. N. Reddy, 1984
3.Energy Methods in Applied Mechanics, H. L. Langhaar, 1962
4.Solid Mechanics: A Variational Approach, Clive L. Dym, Irving H. Shames, 1973 McGraw-Hill
5.Foundations of Solid Mechanics, Y. C. Fung, 1965 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
6.Mathematics of Physics and Modern Engineering, Sokolnikoff and Redheffer, 1958 McGraw-Hill.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Problems of minimization and maximization.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Functionals.Classical problems in calculus of variations,
Week 3 - Theoretical
Euler equations,
Week 4 - Theoretical
Variational notation
Week 5 - Theoretical
Natural boundary conditions
Week 6 - Theoretical
Hamilton's principle,
Week 7 - Theoretical
Lagrange equations.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Transformation of boundary value problems into theproblem of calculus of variation
Week 9 - Theoretical
Transformation of boundary value problems into theproblem of calculus of variation
Week 10 - Theoretical
Direct methods; Ritz method,
Week 11 - Theoretical
Galerkin method
Week 12 - Theoretical
Kantorovich method,
Week 13 - Theoretical
Weightedresidual method. (Applications on Fluids, Solids andStructural Engineering problems.)
Week 14 - Theoretical
Weightedresidual method. (Applications on Fluids, Solids andStructural Engineering problems.)
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination2%40
Final Examination1%40
Assignment4%20
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143384
Assignment40624
Midterm Examination226358
Final Examination131334
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)200
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
OÇ-1
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
OÇ-2
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
5
4
5
4
OÇ-3
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
5
OÇ-4
4
5
4
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
OÇ-5
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
5
4
5
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026