Removing small features from computational domains (Q1335607)

Small size features cause difficulties in the numerical solution of partial differential equations by finite element or finite difference methods. This is because such features require refined meshes in their neighborhoods, with their attendant problems. Here these problems are avoided by surrounding each small feature with an artificial boundary upon which a new boundary condition is imposed. The problem in the reduced domain is more convenient than is the original problem for numerical solution. The artificial boundary can be made large enough to be compatible with the original mesh, so that no refinement is needed. The method is related to that of converting infinite domains to finite computational domains by introducing an artificial external boundary. The method is explained by applying it to the Helmholtz or reduced wave equation in a two-dimensional domain containing a small scatterer.