ABSTRACT
The aim of the boundary element method (BEM) is the numerical solution of integral equations derived from various mathematical models of material behaviour. An outline of the method and a description of the general theory to which it is applicable is followed by the presentation of the special BEM versions developed for the common structural elements, namely rods, beams, membranes, plates and shells. As anticipated, a major section is devoted to the modelling of systems, that is, combinations of interacting solids and/or fluids for which individual BEM solutions need to be coupled through interface conditions. The dam is modelled as a finite elastic space with internal damping, the water as compressible fluid with a free boundary. A more complex dynamic plasticity model for plates involves an elaborate time domain solution which takes into account the interaction with an elastic foundation.
