An accessible introduction to the finite element method for solving numeric problems, this volume offers the keys to an important technique in computational mathematics. Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses, it outlines clear connections with applications and considers numerous examples from a variety of science- and engineering-related specialties.This text encompasses all varieties of the basic linear partial differential equations, including elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic problems, as well as stationary and time-dependent problems. Additional topics include finite element methods for integral equations, an introduction to nonlinear problems, and considerations of unique developments of finite element techniques related to parabolic problems, including methods for automatic time step control. The relevant mathematics are expressed in non-technical terms whenever possible, in the interests of keeping the treatment accessible to a majority of students.

This book presents some of the latest developments in numerical analysis and scientific computing. Specifically, it covers central schemes, error estimates for discontinuous Galerkin methods, and the use of wavelets in scientific computing.

This is the practical introduction to the analytical approach taken in Volume 2. Based upon courses in partial differential equations over the last two decades, the text covers the classic canonical equations, with the method of separation of variables introduced at an early stage. The characteristic method for first order equations acts as an introduction to the classification of second order quasi-linear problems by characteristics. Attention then moves to different co-ordinate systems, primarily those with cylindrical or spherical symmetry. Hence a discussion of special functions arises quite naturally, and in each case the major properties are derived. The next section deals with the use of integral transforms and extensive methods for inverting them, and concludes with links to the use of Fourier series.

Partial differential equations (PDEs) play an important role in the natural sciences and technology, because they describe the way systems (natural and other) behave. The inherent suitability of PDEs to characterizing the nature, motion, and evolution of systems, has led to their wide-ranging use in numerical models that are developed in order to analyze systems that are not otherwise easily studied. Numerical Solutions for Partial Differential Equations contains all the details necessary for the reader to understand the principles and applications of advanced numerical methods for solving PDEs. In addition, it shows how the modern computer system algebra Mathematica® can be used for the analytic investigation of such numerical properties as stability, approximation, and dispersion.

From the reviews of Numerical Solution of PartialDifferential Equations in Science and Engineering: "The book by Lapidus and Pinder is a very comprehensive, evenexhaustive, survey of the subject . . . [It] is unique in that itcovers equally finite difference and finite element methods." Burrelle's "The authors have selected an elementary (but not simplistic)mode of presentation. Many different computational schemes aredescribed in great detail . . . Numerous practical examples andapplications are described from beginning to the end, often withcalculated results given." Mathematics of Computing "This volume . . . devotes its considerable number of pages tolucid developments of the methods [for solving partial differentialequations] . . . the writing is very polished and I found it apleasure to read!" Mathematics of Computation Of related interest . . . NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR APPLIED SCIENCE Myron B. Allen andEli L. Isaacson. A modern, practical look at numerical analysis,this book guides readers through a broad selection of numericalmethods, implementation, and basic theoretical results, with anemphasis on methods used in scientific computation involvingdifferential equations. 1997 (0-471-55266-6) 512 pp. APPLIED MATHEMATICS Second Edition, J. David Logan.Presenting an easily accessible treatment of mathematical methodsfor scientists and engineers, this acclaimed work covers fluidmechanics and calculus of variations as well as more modernmethods-dimensional analysis and scaling, nonlinear wavepropagation, bifurcation, and singular perturbation. 1996(0-471-16513-1) 496 pp.

The main theme is the integration of the theory of linear PDE and the theory of finite difference and finite element methods. For each type of PDE, elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic, the text contains one chapter on the mathematical theory of the differential equation, followed by one chapter on finite difference methods and one on finite element methods. The chapters on elliptic equations are preceded by a chapter on the two-point boundary value problem for ordinary differential equations. Similarly, the chapters on time-dependent problems are preceded by a chapter on the initial-value problem for ordinary differential equations. There is also one chapter on the elliptic eigenvalue problem and eigenfunction expansion. The presentation does not presume a deep knowledge of mathematical and functional analysis. The required background on linear functional analysis and Sobolev spaces is reviewed in an appendix. The book is suitable for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students of applied mathematics and engineering.

Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations: Finite Difference and Finite Volume Methods focuses on two popular deterministic methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs), namely finite difference and finite volume methods. The solution of PDEs can be very challenging, depending on the type of equation, the number of independent variables, the boundary, and initial conditions, and other factors. These two methods have been traditionally used to solve problems involving fluid flow. For practical reasons, the finite element method, used more often for solving problems in solid mechanics, and covered extensively in various other texts, has been excluded. The book is intended for beginning graduate students and early career professionals, although advanced undergraduate students may find it equally useful. The material is meant to serve as a prerequisite for students who might go on to take additional courses in computational mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, or computational electromagnetics. The notations, language, and technical jargon used in the book can be easily understood by scientists and engineers who may not have had graduate-level applied mathematics or computer science courses. - Presents one of the few available resources that comprehensively describes and demonstrates the finite volume method for unstructured mesh used frequently by practicing code developers in industry - Includes step-by-step algorithms and code snippets in each chapter that enables the reader to make the transition from equations on the page to working codes - Includes 51 worked out examples that comprehensively demonstrate important mathematical steps, algorithms, and coding practices required to numerically solve PDEs, as well as how to interpret the results from both physical and mathematic perspectives