Approximate and Numerical Solution Methods for PDEs

In the previous three chapters, we described various analytical techniques to produce practical solutions for linear partial differential equations. Analytical solutions are most attractive because they show explicit parameter dependences. In design and simulation, the system behavior as parameters change is quite critical. When the partial differential equations become nonlinear, numerical solution is the necessary last resort. Approximate methods are often applied, even when an analytical solution is at hand, owing to the complexity of the exact solution. For example, when an eigenvalue expression requires trial-error solutions in terms of a parameter (which also may vary), then the numerical work required to successfully use the analytical solution may become more intractable than a full numerical solution would have been. If this is the case, solving the problem directly by numerical techniques is attractive since it may be less prone to human error than the analytical counterpart. [Pg.546]

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