ABSTRACT
The purpose of the next two chapters is to provide an introduction to the explicit finite-difference technique as applied to geomechanics problems. The more traditional finite-difference techniques for solving partial differential equations have been well documented (for example, Hildebrand, 1968). However, neither the explicit finite-difference scheme which is used to solve the governing solid mechanics equations nor the technique in its various forms (for continua and discontinua) have received wide coverage in the geomechanics context. Furthermore, there has been a general trend towards using the more recently developed finite element and boundary element techniques over the last twenty years or so. There are justifiable reasons for this trend, but the intention of this discussion is to alert the interested reader to the explicit finite-difference technique as a viable alternative which, in most instances will match, and in many may exceed the capabilities and flexibility offered by the aforementioned methods.
