MATH3040
Topics in Scientific Computing


MATH 3040 is a graduate level introduction to finite element simulations using open-source tools such as FEniCS and FreeFem++.

Dr. Mike Sussman will be conducting the course, from 12:30 to 2:15, Monday through Thursday, in Thackeray 524. Office (Thackeray 622) hours are 11:10 to 12:10 Monday through Thursday, or by appointment.

There is no required textbook for the course.

Objective:

The course objective is to introduce students to formulating, debugging and solving finite element simulations of practical applications, with a focus on the equations of fluid flow. Two popular freely-available computer packages will be presented: FEniCS and FreeFem++. One interface to FEniCS uses the Python programming language, and the course will use Python. FreeFem++ uses a limited version of C++. The basics of the languages plus those features necessary for this course will be presented during the lectures. Previous experience with Python, C++ and with finite element methods will be valuable, but is not required because the languages and theory will be summarized during the lectures. Applications for which FreeFem++ or FEniCS will be used include steady and transient heat conduction as well as the Stokes and Navier-Stokes equations. Various boundary conditions and finite elements will be presented, as well as the effect of these choices on solution methods.

Course materials:

Course materials, including copies of the lecture slides are available:

Grading:

Course grades will depend on homework and a course project. There will be no final exam.

Projects:

Students with disabilities

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services, 140 William Pitt Union, 412-648-7890 or 412-383-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.


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Last revised on $Date: 2014/5/12 $.