The Finite Difference Method in Partial Differential Equations

Extensively revised edition of Computational Methods in Partial Differential Equations. A more general approach has been adopted for the splitting of operators for parabolic and hyperbolic equations to include Richtmyer and Strang type splittings in addition to alternating direction implicit and locally one dimensional methods. A description of the now standard factorization and SOR/ADI iterative techniques for solving elliptic difference equations has been supplemented with an account or preconditioned conjugate gradient methods which are currently gaining in popularity. Prominence is also given to the Galerkin method using different test and trial functions as a means of constructing difference approximations to both elliptic and time dependent problems. The applications of finite difference methods have been revised and contain examples involving the treatment of singularities in elliptic equations, free and moving boundary problems, as well as modern developments in computational fluid dynamics. Emphasis throughout is on clear exposition of the construction and solution of difference equations. Material is reinforced with theoretical results when appropriate.