Using FEMLAB for Gravitational problems: numerical simulations for all

We discuss the possibility to solve Modern Numerical Relativity problems using finite element methods (FEM). Adopting a “user friendly” software for handling totally general systems of nonlinear partial differential equations, FEMLAB, we model and numerically solve in a short time a Gowdy vacuum spacetime, representing an inhomogeneous cosmology. Results agree perfectly with existing simulations in the recent literature based not of FEMs but on finite differences methods. Possible applications for non relativistic Astrophysics, General Relativity, elementary particle physics and more general theories of gravitation like EMDA and branes are discussed.