Complex logarithms, Cauchy principal values, and the complex variable boundary element method (Q1337231)

A derivation of the complex variable boundary element method is presented. This special method is applicable for the approximate solution of two-dimensional mixed boundary value problems for the Laplace equation. The solution is seeked as the real part of a holomorphic function represented by a boundary integral of Cauchy type. Advantageously is the fact that all integrations for evaluating the discretization matrix can be performed explicitly by use of the complex logarithm. Some care is necessary to choose the right branches in each case. The authors explain in detail the properties of the complex logarithm in context with the jump relations and the Cauchy principal value integrals.