A Generalized Form Of Integral-Finite Element Formulations For Diffusion Equation

Abstract

A physical problem such as diffusion can be described mathematically in two ways, i.e. by Differential Equation Formulation or Integral Formulation. An integral form is derived from its governing differential equation using the method of Variational Principle for a three-dimensional heat flow equation.The equivalent Integral Formulation will be a very useful and an inevitable tool in the formulation of finite element equatipn.