Finite element approximation to two-dimensional sine-Gordon solitons (Q1205092)

This is a well-grounded and exhaustive numerical investigation of the two-dimensional sine-Gordon equation undertaken in the framework of the finite element methodology. From technical point of view the authors use a semidiscrete Galerkin approach based on simple four-noded bilinear finite elements in combination with a generalized Newmark integration scheme. The paper does not contain the strong convergence proof, but comparisons with finite difference solutions exhibit a very good accuracy of the developed algorithm. The solutions are presented for interaction of circular ring solitons, symmetric perturbation of static line solitons, superposition of two orthogonal solitons, line and elliptic solitons in an inhomogeneous medium etc. The text is concluded with a series of beautiful pictures that undoubtedly will fascinate every reader of this paper.