An infinite boundary element formulation for three-dimensional potential problems

An infinite boundary element (IBE) is presented for the analysis of three-dimensional potential problems in an unbounded medium. The IBE formulations are done to allow their coupling with the finite element (FE) matrices for finite domains and to obtain the overall matrices without destroying the banded structure of the FE matrices. The infinite body is divided into a number of zones whose contributions are expressed in terms of the nodal quantities at FE nodes by employing suitable decay functions and performing mainly analytical integrations of the boundary element kernels. The continuity and compatibility conditions for the potential and the flux at the FE-IBE interface are developed. The relationships for the contributions of the IBE flux vectors to the FE load vectors are given. The final equations for the IBE are obtained in the usual FE stiffness-load vector form and are easily assembled with the FE matrices for the finite object. A series of numerical examples in heat transfer and electromagnetics were solved and compared with alternative solutions to demonstrate the validity of the present formulations.