After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

• Describe the theoretical foundations of the method of finite elements.
• Numerically solve partial differential equations relevant to heat conduction, elasticity and electromagnetics using open-source tools.
• Select suitable numerical methods for static and time-dependent problems.
• Measure the numerical error and the convergence behavior of finite element solutions.
• Perform numerical eigenmode analysis.
• Process scientific data in Python.
• Create 2D and 3D data visualizations.
• Present and discuss own results.

Partial differential equations play an outstanding role in engineering and natural sciences. The Maxwell equations for electromagnetic fields or the Navier Stokes equation for fluids are only two examples of partial differential equations that are fundamental for modeling technical systems. In practice, partial differential equations are often solved numerically with the method of finite elements. In this lecture, we present the necessary foundations for the practical use of the method of finite elements. We start with a short introduction of the essential theory of the finite element method and continue with presenting different fields of application of the finite element method. A central aspect of the course is that participants implement numerical examples using open-source software.

• Lectures
• Programming exercises in Python
• Presentation and discussion of solutions to exercises

• The preliminary meeting will take place on Thirsday, March 2, 2023, at 1 p.m. 
• The event then takes place every Thursday at 1 p.m.

Oral examination with individual appointment

Basic knowledge of Python is helpful.