Package: freefem3d (1.0pre8-2) [universe]

A language and solver for partial differential equations in 3D

FreeFEM3D (aka ff3d) is a 3D solver of partial differential equations (PDE). It is a member of the familly of the freefem programs (see http://www.freefem.org).

ff3d, as well as its cousins, is a PDE solver driven by a user-friendly language. It solves many kind of problems such as elasticity, fluids (Stokes and Navier-Stokes) and a lot more. The user has to enter the equation associated with the problem, giving either the PDE in strong formulation or weak (variational) formulation.

ff3d does not use standard Finite Elements method but a Fictitious Domain approach. The geometry is described using Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). This description is done using the POV-Ray language but others such as VRML could be added.

The processing of the results is left to the user. One can use various graphic tools: OpenDX being the most powerful free software on the market nowadays. The implementation of a VTK base visualization module is underway.

The goal of ff3d is to provide a good teaching tool and a research toolbox (the code is written in C++ and its design is such that new methods can be easily implemented).