Author(s)

R.N.L. Smith

Abstract

Simplifying integration for logarithmic singularities R.N.L. Smith Department of Applied Mathematics & OR, Cranfield University, RMCS, Shrivenham, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 SLA, UK Introduction Any implementation of the boundary element method requires consideration of three types of integral - simple non-singular integrals, singular integrals of two kinds and those integrals which are 'nearly singular' (Brebbia and Dominguez 1989). If linear elements are used all integrals may be per- formed exactly (Jaswon and Symm 1977), but the additional complexity of quadratic or cubic element programs appears to give a significant gain in efficiency, and such elements are therefore often utilised; These elements may be curved and can represent complex shapes and changes in boundary variables more effectively. Unfortunately, more complex elements require more complex integration routines than the routines for straight elements. In dealing with BEM codes simplicity is clearly desir

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