Comparing Direct and Mixed Methods of Solution in a Discretized Framework of a Mass-Spring System

Abstract

In a discretized framework of a simplified system of masses and springs, the vector representing displacements in masses may be solved for via the direct method or the mixed method. The direct method combines a series of matrix equations into one compact matrix equation. The mixed method interprets the matrix equations as a system of equations, introducing a new matrix equation with matrices as all of the entries. The goal of this project is to determine which method is more accurate and which method consumes less computer memory.