Partial Differential Equation Toolbox 1

Solve and analyze partial differential equations

The Partial Differential Equation Toolbox

extends the MATLAB® technical computing
environment with tools for the study and
solution of partial differential equations KEY FEATURES
(PDEs) in two-space dimensions (2-D) and
■ Graphical interface for pre- and postprocessing 2-D PDEs
time. A set of command-line functions and
a graphical user interface let you preprocess, ■ Automatic and adaptive meshing
solve, and postprocess generic 2-D PDEs
■ Geometry creation using a constructive solid geometry paradigm
using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
■ Boundary condition specification: Dirichlet, generalized
The toolbox also provides modeling
Neumann, and mixed
capabilities for a broad range of
applications, including heat transfer, ■ Flexible coefficient and PDE problem specification using
electromagnetics, structural mechanics, MATLAB syntax
and diffusion.
■ Fully automated mesh generation and refinement

■ Nonlinear and adaptive solvers to handle systems with multiple

dependent variables

■ Simultaneous visualization of multiple solution properties,

FEM-mesh overlays, and animation

First eigenfunction of a drum mem-

brane. The graphical user interface
lets you visualize different solution
properties using color, height, and
vector fields.
Working With the Partial Differential • Mesh mode lets you control the fully Defining and Solving Partial
Equation Toolbox automated mesh generation and Differential Equations
The Partial Differential Equation Toolbox refinement process. With the Partial Differential Equation
lets you work in six modes from the graphi- Toolbox, you can define and numerically
• Solve mode lets you invoke and
cal user interface or the command line. Each solve different types of PDEs, including
control the nonlinear and adaptive
mode corresponds to a step in the process elliptic, parabolic, hyperbolic, eigenvalue,
solver for elliptic problems. For
of solving PDEs using the Finite Element nonlinear elliptic, and systems of PDEs
parabolic and hyperbolic PDE
Method. with multiple variables.
problems, you can specify the initial
• Draw mode lets you create Ω, the values and obtain solutions at specific Elliptic PDE
geometry, using the constructive solid times. For the eigenvalue solver, you The basic scalar equation of the toolbox is
geometry (CSG) model paradigm. The can define the interval over which to the elliptic PDE
graphical interface provides a set of solid search for eigenvalues.
building blocks (square, rectangle, circle,
• Plot mode lets you select from different
ellipse, and polygon) that can be combined
plot types, including surface, mesh, and
to define complex geometries.
contour. You can simultaneously visualize where is the vector (∂/∂x,∂/∂y), and c is a
• Boundary mode lets you specify conditions multiple solution properties using color, 2-by-2 matrix function on Ω, the bounded
on different boundaries or remove height, and vector fields. The FEM mesh planar domain of interest. c, a, and f can be
subdomain borders. can be overlaid on all plots and shown complex valued functions of x and y.
in the displaced position. For parabolic
• PDE mode lets you select the type of
and hyperbolic equations, you can animate
PDE problem and the coefficients
the solution as it changes with time.
c, a, f, and d. By specifying the coefficients
for each subdomain independently, you
can represent different material properties.
 Using the graphical user interface
to define the complex geometry
of a wrench, generate a mesh,
and analyze it for a given load
configuration.

Parabolic, Hyperbolic, and Eignevalue PDEs Nonlinear Elliptic PDE Handling Boundary Conditions
The toolbox can also handle the parabolic PDE A nonlinear Newton solver is available for the The following boundary conditions can
nonlinear elliptic PDE be handled for scalar u:

• Dirichlet:

the hyperbolic PDE

where the coefficients defining c, a, and f
can be functions of x, y, and the unknown on the boundary ∂Ω
solution u. All solvers can handle the PDE
• Generalized Neumann:
and the eigenvalue PDE system with multiple dependent variables

on ∂Ω
where d is a complex valued function on
Ω and λ is the eigenvalue. For parabolic where n is the outward unit normal and
and hyperbolic PDEs, c, a, f, and d can be You can handle systems of dimension g, q, h, and r can be complex valued functions
complex valued functions of x, y, and t. two from the graphical user interface. of x and y defined on ∂Ω. For the nonlinear
An arbitrary number of dimensions can PDE, the coefficients may depend on u. For
be handled from the command line. time-dependent problems, the coefficients
The toolbox also provides an adaptive may also depend on t. For PDE systems,
mesh refinement algorithm for elliptic Dirichlet, generalized Neumann, and mixed
and nonlinear elliptic PDE problems. boundary conditions are supported.
 Visualization tools provide multiple ways to plot results. A contour
plot with gradient arrows shows the temperature and heat flux.
The temperature gradient is displayed using 3-D plotting tools.

For demos, application examples,

Toolbox Application Modes tutorials, user stories, and pricing:
The Partial Differential Equation Toolbox • Visit www.mathworks.com
graphical interface includes a set of • Contact The MathWorks directly
application modes for common engineering US & Canada 508-647-7000
and science problems. When you select a Benelux +31 (0)182 53 76 44
mode, PDE coefficients are replaced with Required Products France +33 (0)1 41 14 67 14
application-specific parameters, such as MATLAB Germany +49 (0)241 470 750
Italy +39 (011) 2274 700
Young’s modulus for problems in structural Spain +34 93 362 13 00
mechanics. Available modes include: Related Products Switzerland +41 (0)31 954 20 20
Optimization Toolbox. Solve standard UK +44 (0)1223 423 200
• Structural Mechanics - Plane Stress Visit www.mathworks.com to obtain
and large-scale optimization problems.
• Structural Mechanics - Plane Strain contact information for authorized
• Electrostatics Statistics Toolbox. Apply statistical MathWorks representatives in countries
throughout Asia Pacific, Latin America,
• Magnetostatics algorithms and probability models. the Middle East, Africa, and the rest
• AC Power Electromagnetics of Europe.
Symbolic Math Toolbox and
• Conductive Media DC
Extended Symbolic Math Toolbox. Perform
• Heat Transfer
computations using symbolic mathematics
• Diffusion
and variable-precision arithmetic.
The boundary conditions are altered
to reflect the physical meaning of the Platform and System Requirements
different boundary condition coefficients. For platform and system requirements, visit
The plotting tools lets you visualize www.mathworks.com/products/pde ■
the relevant physical variables for the
selected application.

Tel: 508.647.7000 [email protected] www.mathworks.com 8557v02 10/03

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