To this juncture, we have employed finite-difference methods to solve partial differential
equations. In these methods, the solution domain is divided into a grid of discrete points
or nodes (Fig. 31.1b). The PDE is then written for each node and its derivatives replaced by
finite-divided differences. Although such “pointwise” approximation is conceptually easy to
understand, it has a number of shortcomings. In particular, it becomes harder to apply for systems
with irregular geometry, unusual boundary conditions, or heterogenous composition.
The finite-element method provides an alternative that is better suited for such systems.
In contrast to finite-difference techniques, the finite-element method divides the solution
domain into simply shaped regions, or “elements” (Fig. 31.1c). An approximate solution for
FIGURE 31.1
(a) A gasket with irregular geometry and nonhomogeneous composition. (b) Such a system is very
difficult to model with a finite-difference approach. This is due to the fact that complicated approximations
are required at the boundaries of the system and at the boundaries between regions of
differing composition. (c) A finite-element discretization is much better suited for such systems.