Oxford SPM Models: Problem Definition Software

Mathematical models are increasingly important tools in soil-plant research. Yet they are inaccessible to many people because of the mathematical and computing skills required to write them. Several commercial packages are available for Ordinary Differential Equation problems which require very little previous experience by the user. However, for Partial Differential Equation (PDE) problems, commercial solutions are less well developed.

Many problems involve the solution of sets of complex PDEs, often with non-linear reaction terms and boundary conditions. A program written by the author offers a simple route to their solution. This Windows program provides a graphical interface allowing the user to specify sets of linear or non-linear parabolic equations in one space variable for initial value problems. Functions such as a constant or variable diffusion coefficient, or a linear or non-linear reaction terms(s) are specified by simply checking the appropriate box. The program also offers a data entry and definition module for initialising the parameters specified. The program is available from the author on request.

The resulting definition file is then returned to the author and translated into a Windows program which solves the equation(s) . The program features an point and click data editor, extensive graphical analysis of the results and automatic sensitivity analysis. An example program is available.

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Comments and Feedback should be sent to Peter.Darrah@Plant-Sciences.Oxford.ac.uk