Theory
Calculating the next velocity with an Euler step
In the Euler method, you calculate a model forward in small time steps.
The velocity changes in one step by acceleration × time step.
Use: new velocity = current velocity + acceleration × time step.
- Read velocity, acceleration and time stepTake the current velocity, acceleration and time step from the problem.
- Calculate acceleration × time stepWork out the intermediate step using the values from the problem.
- Add to the velocityWork out the intermediate step using the values from the problem.
A model has v = 4 m/s, a = 1,5 m/s 2 and dt = 0,2 s. Calculate the next velocity.
- Read velocity, acceleration and time stepVelocity = 4 m/s. Acceleration = 1,5 m/
s 2. Time step = 0,2 s. - Calculate acceleration × time step1,5 × 0,2 = 0,3 m/s.
- Add to the velocity4 + 0,3 = 4,3 m/s.