Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The dramatic advances in computational methods over the past several decades have provided a remarkable realization of approximate numerical solutions to physical problems which have been considered to be analytically intractable. In particular, the finite element method (FEM) represents a stratagem of proven success for solving boundary value problems in quantum mechanics. This method originates in the principle of stationary action and other variational principles, which are central unifying principles in all areas of physics. In fact, essentially all the differential equations of interest in physics can be derived by the calculus of variations from a corresponding action integral. With its basis in variational principles, the FEM can be expected to hold an increasing appeal among physicists. This book provides an introduction to the FEM through applications in quantum mechanics.