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227-0160-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET

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Fundamentals of Physical Modeling and Simulations

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jasmin Smajic

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:22

Abstract

Mathematical description of different physical phenomena and numerical methods for solving the obtained equations are discussed. The course presents the fundamentals of mathematical modeling including ordinary and partial differential equations along with boundary and initial conditions. Finite Difference Method and Finite Element Method for solving boundary value problems are shown in detail.

Objective

After completing this course a student will understand the main idea of representing physical phenomena with mathematical equations, will be able to apply an appropriate numerical method for solving the obtained equations, and will possess the knowledge to qualitatively evaluate the obtained results.

Content

a. Introduction to physical modeling and simulations b. Numerical methods for solving boundary (initial) value problems b.i. Finite difference method (FDM) b.ii. Finite element method (FEM) c. Boundary (initial) value problems of different physical phenomena c.i. Static and dynamic electric current distribution in solid conductors c.ii. Static und dynamic electric charge transport in semiconductors c.iii. Induced eddy currents in low frequency range (with numerous examples from the area of electrical energy technology) c.iv. Wave propagation in the RF-, microwave-, and optical frequency range (with numerous examples relevant for communication technology) c.v. Static and dynamic temperature distribution in solid bodies (with numerous examples relevant for electrical energy technology) c.vi. Static and dynamic mechanical structural analysis (with numerous examples from the area of MEMS technology)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes, Matlab programs, exercises and their solutions will be handed out.

Literature

J. Smajic, “How To Perform Electromagnetic Finite Element Analysis”, The International Association for the Engineering Modelling, Analysis & Simulation Community (NAFEMS), NAFEMS Ltd., Hamilton, UK, 2016.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: Open book exam + Calculator

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Fundamentals of Physical Modeling and Simulations	Mon 10:15-12:00 (ETZ E 7)	2 h weekly
exercise	Fundamentals of Physical Modeling and Simulations	Mon 08:15-10:00 (ETZ E 7)	2 h weekly
practical/laboratory course	Fundamentals of Physical Modeling and Simulations	Tue 13:15-14:00 (ETZ D 61.1) Tue 13:15-14:00 (ETZ D 61.2) Tue 13:15-14:00 (ETZ D 96.1)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Bachelor
- 6. Semester: Kernfächer des 3. Jahres (Kurswahl kann frei zusammengestellt werden, eine Liste von Empfehlungen findet sich unter )
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2018)
  - Vertiefung: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Kernfächer (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2008)
  - Fächer der Vertiefung (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Empfohlene Fächer (Diese Fächer sind eine Empfehlung. Sie können Fächer aus allen Vertiefungsrichtungen wählen. Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Tutor.)