The finite element method and its' link to the finite difference method for poisson's equation

Muaaz Bhamjee, Alan Nuricky

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Poisson's Equation on a rectangular domain describes conduction heat transfer on a plate. This equation can be solved using the Finite Difference Method (FDM) or the Finite Element Method (FEM). Previous literature has shown that the FEM discretisation equations for the nodal values are integrated averages of the FDM discretisation equations. This paper presents a corrected transformation from the FDM to the FEM, for Poisson's Equation. For Poisson's Equation on a rectangular domain the FEM discretisation is obtained by the area integral, in terms of Simpson's and Midpoint Quadrature, of the FDM discretisation equations. Under the conditions investigated in this paper, the FEM provides the area integral of the partial differential equation (PDE) in terms of Simpson's and Midpoint Quadrature. The transformation presented in this paper can be used to reduce computational cost and complexity in the FEM, specifically in the construction of the discretisation equations at the nodal points.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication8th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2012 - Conference Proceedings
EditorsAndre Leon Nel, Nickey Janse van Rensburg, Daniel M. Madyira
PublisherSouth African Association for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (SAAM)
Pages148-153
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780869707289
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event8th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2012 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration: 3 Sept 20125 Sept 2012

Publication series

Name8th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2012 - Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference8th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2012
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityJohannesburg
Period3/09/125/09/12

Keywords

  • Area integral
  • Finite difference method
  • Finite element method
  • Midpoint quadrature
  • Poisson's equation
  • Simpson's quadrature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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