Explains C programming for solving computational physics problems

Computational physics is transforming how scientists solve complex physical problems. Computational Physics Using C offers a unified approach to mastering both the numerical and programming skills essential for modern physics research. Designed to guide readers from fundamental concepts to advanced computational techniques, this textbook empowers students to effectively translate physical problems into numerical models and implement them using C.

Each chapter builds progressively on prior material, beginning with the precision limits of numerical computation and advancing to nonlinear systems, Monte Carlo simulations, and the numerical integration of differential equations. The book contains detailed discussions of C language structures, pointers, and code optimization strategies, as well as programming exercises and downloadable code examples. Providing a clear roadmap for efficiently solving a wide range of real-world physics problems, Computational Physics Using C:

• Presents a systematic progression from fundamental numerical mathematics to advanced computational methods
• Integrates C programming instruction with core physics applications for seamless skill development
• Explains precision limits and numerical stability to ensure meaningful computational outcomes
• Demonstrates the use of gnuplot for effective visualization of numerical data
• Encourages algorithmic thinking to optimize code performance and hardware efficiency

Supporting flexible course design through modular chapter organization, Computational Physics Using C: Efficient Programming with Ease is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate students in physics, engineering, and materials science. It is also a valuable reference for professionals engaged in computational research and analysis.

John W. Fattaruso, PhD, is Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University, where he teaches in the Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science departments. His expertise spans computational physics, numerical analysis, and circuit design. A former Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Texas Instruments, he holds 32 U.S. patents and has published widely in IEEE journals and conferences.