The Boundary Element Method

The Boundary Element Method sets out a simple, efficient and cost effective computational technique which provides numerical solutions -- for objects of any shape -- for a wide range of scientific and engineering problems. The Boundary Element Method provides a complete approach to formulating boundary integral equations for scientific and engineering problems and solving them numerically using an element approximation. Only a knowledge of elementary calculus is required, since the text begins by relating familiar differential equations to integral equations and then moves on to the simple solution of integral equations. From this starting point, the mathematics of formulation and numerical approximation are developed progressively with every mathematical step being provided. Particular attention is paid to the problem of accurate evaluation of singular integrands and to the use of increasing levels of accuracy provided by constant, linear and quadratic approximations. This enables a full solution to be given for both two dimensional and three dimensional potential problems and finally, for the two dimensional elastostatics problem. The Boundary Element Method develops the mathematics of the text progressively both within chapters and from chapter to chapter. It is a self-contained, step by step, exposition of the boundary element method, leading to its application to the key problem of elastostatics. The Boundary Element Method may be used as a standard introductory reference text for the mathematics of this method and is ideal for final year undergraduate study as well as for postgraduates, scientists and engineers new to the subject. Worked examples and exercises are provided throughout the text.