A fast solver for a nonlocal dielectric continuum model (Q2904833)

The authors prove that the solution of a commonly used nonlocal continuum dielectric model of water can be split as a sum of two functions, which are the solutions of one Poisson equation and one Poisson-like equation. Based on this splitting formula, they develop a fast finite element algorithm. Analytical solutions to two nonlocal model problems are also derived, and these problems are then solved numerically. As an application of the nonlocal dielectric model, free energy calculations are discussed improving those obtained by the classical Poisson dielectric model.