Numerical Methods for Solution

Despite simplification of governing equations, the resulting equations are still such that a numerical approach to their solution is necessary. The key numerical methods are finite differences and finite elements. In this chapter, we discuss the application of these methods to the resulting equations. Some historical comments on numerical methods may be found in Appendix A. It should be noted that the numerical methods employed in commercial products were related to the available computer power at the time. So in looking at various numerical schemes, one should have some feeling for the CPU and memory limitations in the past.