Topics In Boundary Element Research

As the Boundary Element Method develops into a tool of engineering analysis more effort is dedicated to studying new applications and solving different problems. This book contains chapters on the basic principles of the technique, time dependent problems, fluid mechanics, hydraulics, geomechanics and plate bending. The number of non-linear and time dependent problems which have become amenable to solution using boundary elements have induced many researchers to investigate in depth the basis of the method. Chapter 0 of this book presents an ap proach based on weighted residual and error approximations, which permits easy construction of the governing boundary integral equations. Chapter I reviews the theoretical aspects of integral equation formulations with emphasis in their mathematical aspects. The analysis of time dependent problems is presented in Chap. 2 which describes the time and space dependent integral formulation of heat conduction problems and then proposes a numerical procedure and time marching algorithm. Chapter 3 reviews the application of boundary elements for fracture mechanics analysis in the presence of thermal stresses. The chapter presents numerical results and the considerations on numerical accuracy are of interest to analysts as well as practising engineers.

This series has been developed in response to the interest shown in boundary ele ments by scientists and engineers. Whilst Volume I was dedicated to basic principles and applications, this book is concerned with the state of the art in the solution of time-dependent problems. Since papers have recently been published on this im portant topic it is time to produce a work ofa morepermanent nature. The volume begins with a chapter on the Fundamentals of Boundary Integral Equation Methods in Elastodynamics. After reviewing the basic equations of elasto dynamics, the wave equation and dynamic reciprocal theorems are stated and the direct and indirect boundary element formulations are presented. Eigenvalue problems are discussed together with the case of the Fourier transformations. Several applications illustrate the etfectiveness ofthe technique for engineering. Chapter 2 examines some ofthe various boundary integral equation formulations available for elastodynamic problems. In particular the displacement-traction for mulation is compared with the displacement-potential case. The special character istics ofthe elastodynamics fundamental solutions are discussed in detail and a criti cal comparison with the elastostatics case is presented. While the chapter is not meant to be a complete review of the work in the field, the original presentation of the problern and the suggestions for further work make an important contribu tion to the development ofthe method.