A Rudimentary Overview of the Capabilities and Problems Concerning the Finite-Element Method
Abstract
The finite element method is very powerful and flexible to model complex geometries with computers, because the region of interest can be subdivided into finite elements accurately. The advantages and drawbacks of the finite-element method will be the focus of the rudimentary investigation presented in this report. Especially, the requirements in terms of computational effort and computer memory storage will be investigated with respect to Nuclear ElectroMagnetic Pulse (NEMP) research requirements, i.e., with configurations frequently found in NEMP research such as coupling and interaction studies, simulator design and sensor design. Such configurations are often three dimensional and of intricate geometry. It is found that with present day computer capability it is not yet possible to solve real-life three dimensional geometries with the finite-element method, because of the memory requirements needed to store the resulting system of equations. Two dimensional geometries can at present be solved with the finite-element method, but the usefulness of two dimensional geometries for NEMP research purposes is questionable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA233431
Entities
People
- J. J. Klaasen
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada