Formulation of the MFS for the two-dimensional Laplace equation with an added constant and constraint

Abstract

Motivated by the incompleteness of single-layer potential approach for the interior problem with a degenerate-scale domain and the exterior problem with bounded potential at infinity, we revisit the method of fundamental solutions (MFS). Although the MFS is an easy method to implement, it is not complete for solving not only the interior 2D problem in case of a degenerate scale but also the exterior problem with bounded potential at infinity for any scale. Following Fichera׳s idea for the boundary integral equation, we add a free constant and an extra constraint to the traditional MFS. The reason why the free constant and extra constraints are both required is clearly explained by using the degenerate kernel for the closed-form fundamental solution. Since the range of the single-layer integral operator lacks the constant term in the case of a degenerate scale for a two dimensional problem, we add a constant to provide a complete base. Due to the rank deficiency of the influence matrix in the case of a degenerate scale, we can promote the rank by simultaneously introducing a constant term and adding an extra constraint to enrich the MFS. For an exterior problem, the fundamental solution does not contain a constant field in the degenerate kernel expression. To satisfy the bounded potential at infinity, the sum of all source strengths must be zero. The formulation of the enriched MFS can solve not only the degenerate-scale problem for the interior problem but also the exterior problem with bounded potential at infinity. Finally, three examples, a circular domain, an infinite domain with two circular holes and an eccentric annulus were demonstrated to see the validity of the enriched MFS.