City Research Online

Abstract

This study is concerned with the applications of the boundary element method to solve time dependent problems in two dimensions. The applications involve ground water flow problems, free surface flow problems, heat conduction problems and numerical modelling of periodic waves in particular.

The basic derivation of the boundary integral equation is reviewed within the framework of classical potential theory. Integral equations may be derived from (a) an indirect formulation; (b) a direct formulation; or (c) by the weighted residual technique. Numerical procedures for the solution of integral equations are discussed, involving constant, linear or quadratic variation for the potential function and its normal derivative along discretised elements on the boundary. A formulation for the solution of transient potential problems is then derived by the weighted residual technique.

The basic boundary element technique is employed to model different types of periodic wave profiles, and more importantly, the progressive waves. This approach resembles the work of Longuet- Higgins and Cokelet on numerical computation of steep surface water waves. Numerical procedures for the time stepping method are discussed in detail. With a fixed horizontal circular cylinder introduced in the flow domain, pressures and forces on the cylinder are evaluated and compared with experimental measurements.

Computer programs incorporating the above work were developed with illustrated examples throughout this study.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Department of Engineering School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads