**Course Title:** MATLAB Programming: Applications in Engineering, Data Science, and Simulation **Section Title:** Solving Differential Equations with MATLAB **Topic:** Solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using `ode45`, `ode23`, etc. ### Overview Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are a crucial part of mathematical modeling in various fields, including physics, engineering, biology, and economics. In this topic, we will explore how to solve ODEs using MATLAB's built-in ODE solvers, specifically `ode45`, `ode23`, and others. ### Introduction to ODE Solvers MATLAB provides a suite of ODE solvers that can be used to solve a wide range of problems. The most commonly used ODE solvers are: * `ode45`: A variable-step solver that uses the Runge-Kutta method to solve non-stiff problems. * `ode23`: A fixed-step solver that uses the Bogacki-Shampine method to solve non-stiff problems. * `ode113`: A variable-step solver that uses the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method to solve stiff problems. * `ode23s`: A fixed-step solver that uses the modified Rosenbrock method to solve stiff problems. ### Solving a Simple ODE using `ode45` Let's consider a simple example of a harmonic oscillator: ```markdown dy/dt = -y ``` To solve this ODE using `ode45`, we need to define the ODE function and then call the `ode45` function. ```matlab % Define the ODE function function dydt = harmonic_oscillator(t, y) dydt = -y; end % Define the time span and initial condition tspan = [0 10]; y0 = 1; % Call the ode45 function [t, y] = ode45(@harmonic_oscillator, tspan, y0); % Plot the solution plot(t, y); xlabel('Time (s)'); ylabel('Amplitude (m)'); title('Harmonic Oscillator'); ``` This will solve the ODE and plot the solution over the specified time span. ### Solving an ODE with `ode23` Let's consider an example of an ODE that describes the growth of a population: ```markdown dy/dt = ry ``` To solve this ODE using `ode23`, we need to define the ODE function and then call the `ode23` function. ```matlab % Define the ODE function function dydt = population_growth(t, y) r = 0.1; % growth rate dydt = r*y; end % Define the time span and initial condition tspan = [0 10]; y0 = 100; % Call the ode23 function [t, y] = ode23(@population_growth, tspan, y0); % Plot the solution plot(t, y); xlabel('Time (s)'); ylabel('Population (m)'); title('Population Growth'); ``` This will solve the ODE and plot the solution over the specified time span. ### Choosing the Right ODE Solver The choice of ODE solver depends on the specific problem you are trying to solve. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right solver: * `ode45`: Good for most non-stiff problems. It is a variable-step solver, which means it adapts the step size to achieve a specified level of accuracy. * `ode23`: Good for non-stiff problems that require a fixed-step solver. * `ode113`: Good for stiff problems. It is a variable-step solver, which means it adapts the step size to achieve a specified level of accuracy. * `ode23s`: Good for stiff problems that require a fixed-step solver. ### Practical Takeaways * Use `ode45` for non-stiff problems when a variable-step solver is desired. * Use `ode23` for non-stiff problems when a fixed-step solver is desired. * Use `ode113` for stiff problems when a variable-step solver is desired. * Use `ode23s` for stiff problems when a fixed-step solver is desired. * Always check the accuracy of the solution by comparing it to an analytical solution or by using a different solver. ### Further Reading For more information on ODE solvers in MATLAB, see the following resources: * [MATLAB Documentation: ODE Solvers](https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/math/choose-an-ode-solver.html) * [MATLAB Documentation: Solving ODEs](https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/math/solving-odes.html) **What's Next?** In the next topic, we will explore how to solve systems of ODEs and initial value problems (IVPs). **Exercise** Try solving the following ODE using `ode45`: ```markdown dy/dt = y^2 ``` Define the ODE function and call the `ode45` function to solve the ODE. Plot the solution over a suitable time span. **Comment or Ask for Help** If you have any questions or need help with the material, please leave a comment below.