{
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{
"cell_type": "markdown",
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"source": [
"# Partial differential equations\n",
"\n",
"Partial differential equations occur when we are dealing with functions of more than one variable, for instance *fields*.\n",
"\n",
"Examples:\n",
"\n",
"- Electrostatic potential $\\phi (x,y,z)$ (Poisson's equation)\n",
"$$\n",
"\\Delta\\phi(x,y,z) = -\\frac{\\rho(x,y,z)}{\\epsilon_0}\n",
"$$\n",
"\n",
"- Density or temperature profiles (diffusion/heat equation)\n",
"$$\n",
"\\frac{\\partial u(\\mathbf{x},t)}{\\partial t} = D \\Delta u(\\mathbf{x},t)\n",
"$$\n",
"\n",
"- Displacement (amplitude) profile (wave equation)\n",
"$$\n",
"\\frac{\\partial^2 u(\\mathbf{x},t)}{\\partial t^2} = c^2\\Delta u(\\mathbf{x},t)\n",
"$$\n",
"\n",
"- Fluid dynamical fields (flow velocity) -- e.g. Navier-Stokes equations "
]
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"cell_type": "markdown",
"metadata": {},
"source": [
"## General methods for solving PDE's\n",
"\n",
"- **Finite difference method**\n",
" - Approximate the derivatives by finite differences\n",
" - Easier to implement than other methods\n",
" - Works best for regular (rectangular) shapes\n",
"- Finite element method\n",
" - Subdivide the system into smaller parts -- finite elements\n",
" - Boundary value problems in 2/3 dimensions\n",
" - Works well for irregular shapes\n",
"- Finite volume method\n",
" - Convert surface integrals around each mesh point into volume integrals\n",
" - Conserves mass by design, good for fluid dynamical equations"
]
},
{
"cell_type": "markdown",
"metadata": {},
"source": [
"## Boundary value problems\n",
"\n",
"
\n",
"