Mimetic (mathematics)

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The goal of numerical analysis is to approximate the continuum, so instead of solving a partial differential equation one aims in solve a discrete version of the continuum problem. A numerical method is called mimetic when it mimics (or imitates) some properties of the continuum vector calculus.

[edit] Examples

For example, a symplectic integrator is used to compute a numerical approximation to the ordinary differential equations that describe motion. The resulting approximation conserves energy.

A mixed finite element method applied to Darcy flows strictly conserves the mass of the flowing fluid.

[edit] See also

• Geometric integrator