1 What is the difference between the finite difference metho

1. What is the difference between the finite difference method and finite element method?

2.In the previous calculation, we are able to perform this same problem using centigrade and still obtain the same answer. This is because... (Everything in this problem deals with Celsius, figure out how Celsius relates to centigrade. Perhaps the delta T would be same regardless?)

Solution

1.The Finite Difference Method constructs approximate difference equations over the region, and solves these difference equations Whereas The Finite Element Method discretizes the region into elements and solves the resulting equations element by element solving these equations over the region.

2.FDM is created from basic definition of differentiation Whereas FEM It is a numerical tool that is borrowed from calculus of variation.

3.The FDM is the oldest and is based upon the application of a local Taylor expansion to approximate the differential equations Whereas The FEM is easiest to understand when the physical grid is Cartesian, but through the use of curvilinear transforms the method can be extended to domains that are not easily represented by brick-shaped elements.

4.FDM determines the property at a single point/node. This method is the oldest of the three but now it has become obsolete Whereas FEM determines the property of an element. An element can consists of 2 or more than 2 nodes.