The application of the least squates finite element method to Abel's integral equation

Abel's integral equation is the governing equation for certain problems in physics and engineering, such as radiation from distributed sources. The finite element method for the soultion of this non-linear equation is presented for problems with cylindrical symmetry and the extension to more general integral equations is indicated. The technique was applied to an axisymmetric glow discharge problem and the results show excellent agreement with previously obtained solutions.