A Student-Oriented Finite Element Program for Electrostatic Potential Problems

The use of FINEL, a finite element program for electrostatic potential problems, in an electrical and computer engineering undergraduate course in field analysis at Carnegie-Mellon University is described. Motivation for this coverage derives from the widespread introduction and rapid growth of the method in the context of practical applications. FINEL is accompanied by PLOTR, a program for drawing the finite element grid and equipotential lines on a Tektronix plotting terminal or CALCOMP plotter. Finite element grids and equipotential structures for several specific problems are shown.