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Numerically Approximating the Wave Equation?
ObsessiveMathsFreak writes "I'm an applied mathematician who has recently needed to obtain good numerical approximations to the classic second-order wave equation, preferably in three space dimensions. A lot of googling has not revealed much on what I had assumed would be a well-studied problem. Most of the standard numerical methods, finite difference/finite element methods, don't seem to work very well in the case of variable wave speed at different points in the domain, which is exactly the case that I need. Are any in this community working on numerically solving wave equation problems? What numerical methods do you use, and which programs do you find best suited to the task? How do you deal with stability issues, boundary/initial values, and other pitfalls? Are there different methods for electromagnetic wave problems? Finally, when the numbers have all been crunched, how do you visualize your hard-earned data?"
A related problem I sometimes have is that the sticker on my apple doesnt always come off cleanly and sometimes I am left with some gooey paper stuck to the apple. I have tried wetting it and rubbing at it but it doesn't usually work. Anyone have a good solution?
nah, just kidding.
offtopic? seems to me he just said that this problem is well over his head... useful comment? not really. Can that majority of people here relate? probably. Stating the problem is tough isn't offtopic. Mods, every first post that isn't an essay doesn't deserve the auto -1 mod. Actually a lot of first posts that are essays are copy/paste jobs that mods are too stupid to realize.
And non-toxic too! So it'll work on a Macintosh AND a Granny smith.....
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.