Science and technology use simulations to investigate complex systems, for example in the preparation of space missions and weather forecasting, the comparison of experiments with physical models and the development of new products. The simulations use basic physical laws, which are usually given in the form of differential equations, and numerical mathematical methods such as the finite element method (FEM), which must be both reliable and numerically efficient. Participants in the ISC course “Numerical Simulations of Physical Systems” learned how to use professional simulation tools through lectures, exercises and practical experiments.
Professor Christoph Lehrenfeld from the Institute of Numerical and Applied Mathematics gave them an insight into the mathematics underlying the numerical methods.
At the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Philipp Heumüller and Dr. Birgit Krummheuer gave a lecture and guided tour to show participants how FEM is used at the institute to develop instruments for space research.