Graphical field-plotting methods in engineering

TO EXHIBIT the great range of problems that may be solved with comparative ease by graphical means, even though they may be very difficult to solve analytically, is the object of this paper.^∗ The most familiar examples of field plotting are used for solving the Laplace equation δ²v/δx² − δ²v/δy² = 0, solutions of which are known as “harmonic” functions. This equation, as well as its three-dimensional analogue, has a wide range of application, and receives more comprehensive treatment than does any other type of equation.