UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

College of Engineering
CEE 598 BEM Boundary Element Methods
Fall 2004

Textbooks for the Boundary Element Method (BEM)

Brebbia, C.A., Telles, J.C.F. and Wrobel, L.C.

Boundary Element Techniques - Theory and Applications in Engineering
1984, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 464 pp, ISBN: 3 540 12484 5

The book presents a good treatment of the boundary element method. Chapters included in the book cover: a generalized mathematical
formulation, elastostatics, elastoplasticity, viscoplasticity, vibration, plate bending, wave propagation, fluid mechanics, coupling FE
method with the BE method. A comprehensive bibliography and listing of a program complete the book. Because the book was published
in 1984, the code is out-of-date.

Hartmann, F.
Introduction to Boundary Elements
1987, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 378 pp, ISBN: 0 387 17336 6

This book consists of an introduction, nine chapters, a list of references, a bibliography and a description of available computer programs.
The bibliography contains 300 references. In addition to the text, three computer programs for the solution of the membrane, plane
elasticity, and plate flexure problems are included. These programs are written in TURBO-PASCAL for the IBM PC and compatible
computers. The book deals with subjects such as: fundamentals of the BEM, 1-D problems, plane problems of the theory of elasticity,
problems with non-linear materials, plate bending, coupling of FEM and BEM, and dynamic problems. Unfortunately there are too many
misprints in this book.

Brebbia, C.A. and Dominguez, J.

Boundary Elements - An Introductory Course
1988, Computational Mechanics Publications, Southampton, 300 pp, ISBN: 0 931215 668 (US, Canada, Mexico)

The theory of boundary elements is presented in a form that can be readily understood and applied by engineering students. The book
stresses the practical uses of the Boundary Element Method and includes computer codes presented in standard FORTRAN 77 for ease of
comprehension and which can be implemented on an IBM PC. Each copy of the book includes a diskette with the complete listing in
FORTRAN. The book covers topics such as: formulation of boundary integral equations, potential problems, elastostatics, treatment of
body forces, coupling with finite elements, anisotropy, curvilinear coordinates and others. It also includes a special section on numerical
integration. The computer codes listed in the book and included in the diskette are constant and linear codes for potential problems, and
constant and quadratic codes for elastostatics.

Becker, A.A.
The Boundary Element Method in Engineering-A Complete Course
1992, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 335 pp, ISBN: 0 07 707415 7

This textbook provides a complete course on the Boundary Element (BE) method aimed specifically at engineers and engineering students.
No prior knowledge of advanced mathematics or numerical techniques is assumed. This self-contained book provides an introduction to the
BE method as well as a foundation for further research. The mathematical principles are contained in one chapter - this chapter can either
be referred to occasionally or omitted altogether without affecting the understanding of the BE formulation. A step-by-step approach is
used to derive the numerical implementation of the BE method. The final chapter fully describes a FORTRAN computer program using
isoparametric quadratic elements for two-dimensional and axisymmetric elastostatic problems. Full listing of the program, a description of
the main variables, as well as a separate user's manual are provided in appendices. CONTENTS : Introduction. Mathematical Background.
Two-Dimensional Potential Problems. Two-Dimensional Elastostatic Problems. Three-Dimensional Potential and Elastostatic Problems.
Axisymmetric Potential and Elastostatic Problems. Thermoelastic Problems. Multi-Domain and Contact Problems. Fracture Mechanics
Problems. Review of Non-Linear Problems. Further Applications: coupling BE and FE techniques, centrifugal loading, axisymmetric
geometries with arbitrary boundary conditions, infinite boundary elements, time-dependent potential problems. BE Computer Program
(BEACON). User's Manual. List of Main Variables. Full Listing of BEACON.

Beer, G. and Watson, J.O.

Introduction to Finite and Boundary Element Methods for Engineers
1992, Wiley , Chichester , ISBN: 0 471 92813 5
This book is a readable yet accurate introduction to the theory and practice of two computational techniques: the well established and
versatile finite element method (FEM) and the less widely accepted but very promising boundary element method (BEM). The text is
introductory in the sense that a relatively narrow range of problems is considered, but advanced in its treatment of the theoretical and
practical aspects of that range of problems. Where possible, a unified presentation of the numerical implementations of the two methods is
given. By means of examples of applications it is demonstrated which problems may best be solved by each method, or by a combination
of the methods. Two computer programs written in FORTRAN are included to show programming techniques used to implement both
methods and to allow readers to become familiar with their use. The book will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students,
practising engineers and developers of numerical modeling software.

El-Zafrany, A.
Techniques of the Boundary Element Method
1993, Ellis Horwood, ISBN: 0 13 898511 1, hardcover

This book is specifically aimed at students. Written in such a way as to prove acceptable to engineering students, mathematicians and
practising engineers, the book outlines the basic steps necessary for a full understanding of the direct boundary element method. The book
is based upon Direct Boundary Element. The author uses engineering approaches instead of heavy mathematical approaches for the
derivations. Fundamental solutions are derived from both physical events and integral transformations. It includes a wide area of
applications.

Banerjee, P.K.
The Boundary Element Methods in Engineering
1994, McGraw-Hill , London , ISBN: 0 07 707769 5

The last two decades have seen the emergence of a versatile and powerful method of computational engineering mechanics, namely the
boundary element method. The Boundary Element Methods in Engineering looks at the massive development of this technology and
describes its formulation for almost all applications. For ease of use, a simple utilitarian and tutorial approach is adopted in the initial
chapters, introducing the basic background necessary to learn the method. Simple, but detailed instructions for its application to heat
transfer (potential flow) and stress analyses are offered, before the book moves on to a progressively advanced level in later chapters.
Numerous case studies are employed for a large number of applications in dynamics, vibration, fluid flow and nonlinear mechanics,
making this a comprehensive guide for all engineers interested in the use of these methods in a wide range of engineering problems.
Special features include: accessible design, with numerous examples, detailed discussion of computer applications, a new approach to the
analysis of solids with holes and inclusions

Hall, W.S.
The Boundary Element Method
1994, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, ISBN: 0 7923 2580 X

The Boundary Element Method is an efficient and cost effective computational technique which provides numerical solutions - for objects
of any shape - for a wide range of scientific and engineering problems. The Boundary Element Method provides a complete approach to
formulating boundary integral equations for scientific and engineering problems and solving them numerically using an element
approximation. Only a knowledge of elementary calculus is required, since the text begins by relating familiar differential equations to
integral equations and then moves on to the simple solution of integral equations. From this starting point, the mathematics of formulation
and numerical approximation are developed progressively with every mathematical step being provided. Particular attention is paid to the
problem of accurate evaluation of singular integrands and to the use of increasing levels of accuracy provided by constant, linear and
quadratic approximations. This enables a full solution to be given for both two dimensional and three dimensional potential problems and
finally, for the two dimensional elastostatics problem. Worked examples and exercises are provided throughout the text.

Trevelyan, J.
Boundary Elements for Engineers: Theory and Applications
1994, Computational Mechanics Publications , Southampton , ISBN: 1 56252 203 5 (US, Canada, Mexico)

The book is designed to make BEM more accessible to students and engineers looking for a concise overview of the method and the
mathematics behind it. The book also contains many examples of realistic engineering analysis problems, describing how the BEM can be
applied most effectively. The problem with the boundary element method is that, although the end-user BEM software appears refreshingly
simple, the theory behind it is rarely described with anything approaching that simplicity. Text books are widely available for the academic
engineer, but not so for the practising engineer. This book addresses the engineer's requirements of a technical book including: the need to
see an overview of the theoretical formulation written in terms of engineering instead of pure mathematics; and enough theory to feel
comfortable with the use of BEM software in production analysis, but not in a level of detail which overcomplicates and clouds the main
issues. The book provides example application areas, and most importantly some indications of how to use BEM software effectively in
practice for real engineering problems. This book results from several years of experience in working with a commercial boundary element
software package, BEASY, in a training and support environment to industrial corporations using this code. In this way, the book provides
a combination of theory and practice in the application of boundary elements to real world engineering.
P. K. Kythe
An Introduction to the Boundary Element Method (1995)
CRC Press, Book & Disk edition (May 1995), 368 pp, ISBN: 0849373778

This book covers a wide range of solved examples for various applications. Applications are described for use in identifying potential
problems and for heat transfer, diffusion equations, linear elasticity, water waves, ocean acoustics, acoustic scattering, aerodynamics,
porous media, and simple laminar flows. More than 20 computer subroutines help develop and explain the computational aspect of the
subject. The computer programs have been tested on some benchmark problems. The book may not be the most helpful introduction to the
subject. There is some lack of statements introducing the methods and explaining the concepts. Unfortunately there are also some typos,
and spelling mistakes.

J. Canas, F. Paris (1997)

Boundary Element Method: Fundamentals and Application
Bk & Disk edition (June 1997), Oxford Univ Press; ISBN: 0198565437

Boundary element method is often considered more mathematical and difficult to comprehend than the finite element method with which it
can be compared. This book tries to dispel that myth and shows the method's great power and utility. An introductory chapter contains the
preliminary mathematics required to understand later chapters making the book self-contained. For both classes of problems (potential and
elasticity), chapters cover the boundary integral formulation of the problem, previously presented in differential form; the numerical
solution of this integral formulation; and the implementation of this numerical approach in computer code. The book teaches the
fundamentals of the method for the beginner and at the same time enables them to acquire a clear idea of its applicability. Exercises and a
disk with codes and examples (Mac and PC) are enclosed.

M. Bonnet
Boundary Integral Equation Methods for Fluids and Solids
1999, J. Wiley and Sons, ISBN 0471 97184 7, Hardcover

Going beyond the standard texts, this book extensively covers boundary integral equation (BIE) formulations and the boundary element
method (BEM). The first section introduces BIE formulations for potential and elasticity problems, following the modern regularization
approach- the fundamental starting point for research in this field. Secondly, a clear description of BIE formulations for wave and
elastodynamics problems, in both time and frequency domains is presented. Finally, recent research in the field, related to variational
integral formulations, use of geometrical symmetry, shape sensitivity and fracture mechanics is summarised. Within the text a broad range
of application areas, industrial as well as research related, are examined. These include: elasticity and small-strain elastoplasticity; time-
domain and frequency-domain scalar and elastic waves, fracture mechanics. Including an extensive bibliography, this text is of
considerable value and interest to graduate students, researchers and lecturers in engineering mechanics, applied math and physics, as well
as industrial practitioners working within these areas.

J.Raamachandran
Boundary and Finite Elements: Theory and Problems (2000)
CRC Press, , Boca Raton, FL, 2000, 376 pp. ISBN 0849309360

The book covers theory and problems of boundary and finite element methods. Rather than delving deep into the mathematics, it focuses
on imparting a working knowledge of both methods. This book is organized in three main sections and explores approximate methods such
as the variational, Rayleigh-Ritz, finite difference and weighted residual methods, the finite element method, and the boundary element
method, respectively. A number of worked examples and exercise problems is included.

Programming the Boundary Element Method by G. Beer (2001)

John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 047185722X, 472 pages 1 edition (April 10, 2001),

Providing an easy introduction to the boundary element method, this book is good for any reader wishing to work in this field or use this
method for the solution of engineering problems. From the beginning, the emphasis is on the implementation of the method into computer
programs which can be used to solve real problems. The book covers two and three dimensional linear and non-linear analysis in potential
flow (heat flow and seepage) and static elasticity. Several computer programs are listed in the book and may be downloaded free of charge
via the Internet. They include programs and subroutines for: 2-D analysis of potential problems using the Trefftz method, 2-D and 3-D
linear analysis of potential and static elasticity problems using isoparametric elements (single and multiple regions), implementation of
non-linear problems, and coupling to finite elements. The programs (written in FORTRAN 90) are well documented, and can be employed
by the user to gain experience with the method through the solution of small test examples. Furthermore, readers may use them as a starting
point for developing their own bounday element package. In addition, exercises are included in most chapters involving the use of the
programs with answers given in an Appendix, and a number of interesting industrial applications in the areas of mechanical, civil and
geotechnical engineering are presented.
The Boundary Element Method, Volume 1, Applications in Thermo-Fluids and Acoustics by L. C. Wrobel
John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0-471-72039-9, 468 pages (April, 2002),

This two volume book set is designed to provide the readers with a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the boundary element method
and its application to solving engineering problems. Each volume is a self-contained book including a substantial amount of material not
previously covered by other text books on the subject. Volume 1 covers applications to heat transfer, acoustics, electrochemistry and fluid
mechanics problems, while volume 2 concentrates on solids and structures, describing applications to elasticity, plasticity, elastodynamics,
fracture mechanics and contact analysis. The early chapters are designed as a teaching text for final year undergraduate courses. Both
volumes reflect the experience of the authors over a period of more than twenty years of boundary element research.

This volume, Applications in Thermo-Fluids and Acoustics, provides a comprehensive presentation of the BEM from fundamentals to
advanced engineering applications and encompasses:

• Steady and transient heat transfer

• Potential and viscous fluid flows
• Frequency and time-domain acoustics
• Corrosion and other electrochemical problems.

A unique feature of this book is an in-depth presentation of BEM formulations in all of the above fields, including detailed discussions of
the basic theory, numerical algorithms and practical engineering applications of the method.
Written by an internationally recognised authority in the field, this is essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and practitioners in
civil, mechanical and chemical engineering and applied mathematics.

The Boundary Element Method, Volume 2, Applications in Solids and Structures by M. H. Aliabadi
John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0-470-84298-9, 598 pages (May 2002),

This volume, Applications in Solids and Structures, provides a comprehensive presentation of the BEM from fundamentals to advanced
engineering applications and encompasses:

• Elasticity for 2D, 3D and plates and shells

• Non-linear, transient and thermal stress analysis
• Crack growth and multi-body contact mechanics
• Sensitivity analysis and optimisation
• Analysis of assembled structures.

An important feature of this book is the in-depth presentation of BEM formulations in all of the above fields, including detailed discussions
of the basic theory, numerical algorithms and where possible simple examples are included, as well as test results for practical engineering
applications of the method. Although most of the methods presented are the latest developments in the field, the author has included some
simple techniques, which are helpful in understanding the computer implementation of BEM. Another notable feature is the comprehensive
presentation of a new generation of boundary elements known as the Dual Boundary Element Method.
Written by an internationally recognised authority in the field, this is essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and practitioners in
aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering and applied mathematics.