Numerical solution of Cauchy-type integral equations of index \(-1\) by collocation methods (Q675685)

In the case of index \((-1)\), the Cauchy-type singular integral equation \[ a \varphi (x)+ {b\over\pi} \int^{+1}_{-1} {\varphi(t) \over t-x} dt+\int^{+1}_{-1} k(x,t) \varphi(t)dt =f(x), \] \(a^2+ b^2=1\) and \(k\) and \(f\) Hölder continuous, has no solution, unless a compatibility condition is satisfied. The collocation method for the numerical solution then gives rise to a linear system with one more equation than unknowns. A rigorous procedure is given for reducing the number of equations, based on the orthogonality condition imposed on the equation for the existence of a solution. Uniform convergence of the method can be shown, convergence rates are also provided. Three types of problems where integral equations of the kind in hand appear are treated including numerical results, the latter with only poor comments.