Symbolic Computation Techniques for Two-Dimensional Electrostatics with Maxima

Abstract

Computer algebra systems (CAS) are in the agenda of today’s educational systems and engineering world. Open source CAS, like Maxima are evaluated as an alternative to the commercial ones that are being improved according to changing needs of engineers and educators. The main problem with Maxima is “how to use it in the correct way?” We witness a shortage of sample studies showing the effective use of Maxima and insufficiencies in its user’s manual. In this paper, the abilities of Maxima are presented with four worksheets including four commonly used examples in two-dimensional electrostatic applications.