The Solution of Partial Differential Equations by Difference Methods Using the Electronic Differential Analyzer

Abstract

Partial differential equations can be approximated by systems of simultaneous ordinary differential equations by replacing one or more of the partial derivatives by the appropriate finite differences. The resulting ordinary differential equations can sometimes be solved directly by an electronic differential analyzer employing feedback amplifiers. Both theoretical analysis of the accuracies attainable with the difference method and actual solution examples using the electronic differential analyzer are described. Types of partial differential equations considered include the heat, wave, and beam equations.