Have you ever solved a partial differential equation ?
The laws of physics may be transformed mathematically into second-order partial differential equations (PDEs). The simplest one of this type, with only two terms, is known as the Laplace equation. This governs the distribution of gravitation in free space. Other PDEs, for the electric and magnetic fields etc., are somewhat similar but more complicated.
Few of these equations have exact solutions, which explains why they do not receive the attention they deserve in the academic curriculum. Only in recent years has it become possible to solve PDEs numerically on an ordinary PC by finite element analysis (FEA).
The present book is unique in its approach. It is not another volume on conceivable algorithms of FEA. Its main purpose is to exploit a free web program for dealing with PDEs occurring in physics, viz. the Student Version of FlexPDE 5. This program solves a typical example in seconds and promptly presents the results graphically by a variety of plots.
This preview consists of the first 8 chapters of Simple Fields by FEA, including the table of contents. There are applications to Electricity, Magnetism, Heat Transport, Electromagnetic Waves, Wave Mechanics, and Viscous Flow. The problems treated are in (x), (x,y), and (x,y,z). The free software program required may be obtained from www.pdesolutions.com.
