A comprehensive approach to the approximate solution of singular integral equations over the arc (-1,1) (Q917250)

Collocation and Galerkin methods are described for the approximate solution of a complete singular integral equation with Cauchy principal value integral defined on the interval (-1,1). An analysis of the discrete equations is given for each case. The approach is based on a polynomial approximation over (-1,1) and depends upon the use of Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind in the range space. A convergence analysis which gives very satisfactory results concludes the paper. One surprising feature of the method is that except in the determination of the fundamental function, there is no need to evaluate any Cauchy principal value integral. Furthermore, the method is not restricted to the particular cases of either constant or real coefficients and so is of wide applicability.