Object-Oriented Computer Simulations of Physical Systems Using Dual Reciprocity Boundary Element Methodology

Authors: J. Friedrich

Abstract: Models of physical systems are essential in every engineering field. This work deals with computer simulations of physical systems that can be mathematically modelled by differential equations together with sufficient boundary conditions. The computer simulations are based on object-oriented technology and the dual reciprocity boundary element method which is a universal solution scheme for various types of partial differential equations (e.g. Laplace, Poisson, diffusion, convection-diffusion, and steady Navier-Stokes equation). This technique fulfills efficiency criteria like precision, robustness, versatility, programmability, user-friendliness, need of computational time and computer memory to a very high degree. This is demonstrated by three examples: Laplace's solution for a potential flow problem, Poisson's solution for a torsion problem, and the diffusion solution for cooling a metal piece.

Keywords: computer simulations, physical systems, object-oriented technology, dual reciprocity boundary element method

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