Direct Variational and Weighted Residual Methods: Classical Trial Function Methods

In most of this chapter, we will consider trial function methods for solving the governing equations in their differential (local) form. This contrasts with the previous chapter where a trial function technique-the finite element method-was employed to solve the integral (global) form of the governing equations. It will be shown that some of the trial function methods of this chapter can also be applied to problems formulated in global form.