ABSTRACT
The boundary element method (BEM) has emerged as an effective computational technique for the solution of a wide class of applied mechanics problems. The interior or domain type of computational methods, such as the finite element method, involve discretization of both the interior and the boundaries (surface) of a domain, whereas the BEM requires discretization along the boundaries only. Normally, this leads to a reduction of the dimensionality of the problem. BEM solutions have been found to be quite accurate, especially when the domain is infinite or semi-infinite, such as often occurs with stress concentration or crack problems. The method is particularly appropriate for linear problems. Extensions into the nonlinear range are possible, but at the expense of some of the special advantages of the method.
