The simulation of partial differential equations on the digital differential analyzer

Abstract

The mathematical analog involved in the Digital Differential Analyzer, (Digital Analog Computer), requires a different approach to partial differential equations. The usual boundary and initial condition problem becomes a selection of auxiliary partial differential equations and of point starting values for the various partial derivatives of the dependent variable.The DDA System is not suited for the usual classical method of condition definition. In some special cases the classical approach may be made more general because the ordinary differential equations need not be solved, In such case, assumed separability may be an order higher.This paper discusses these problems and describes the nature of the generalities involved. It is pointed out that the Digital Differential Analyzer can “solve” the simultaneous case of the common partial differential equations.