Explanation of pybamm.source(left, right, boundary=False)

[PaulKranefeld]

Hello,
can someone explain me how this function works? pybamm.source(left, right, boundary=False) When do I use it? I have already read the documentation, but it is not clear to me why this function is necessary. Can I interpret this function as a source term within my governing equations? Do I have to use this function as soon as I have a source term? What happens if I do not use it? As you can see, the concept behind this function is unfortunately very unclear to me.
Thanks in advance for any kind of help.

[rtimms]

It's required for wrapping source terms when using the Finite Element Method. Currently, we only use FEM in 2D current collectors problems; everything else uses finite volumes. See this issue for a bit of a discussion. Ideally we'd automate this so the user doesn't need to worry about explicitly using source.

So, in summary:

• yes, this is a source term within the governing equations
• you don't have to use it unless you plan on using FEM (only used for 2D problems)
• if you don't use it there won't be any issues unless you use FEM

[PaulKranefeld]

Thanks for the quick feedback, that answers my question very well.