Study on connections of the MFS, Trefftz method, indirect BIEM and invariant MFS in the three-dimensional Laplace problems containing spherical boundaries

Following the success of a study on the method of fundamental solutions using an image concept [13], we extend to solve the three-dimensional Laplace problems containing spherical boundaries by using the three approaches. The case of eccentric sphere for the Laplace problem is considered. The optimal locations for the source distribution to include the foci in the MFS are also examined by using the image concept in the 3D problems. Whether a free constant is required or not in the MFS is also studied. The error distribution is discussed after comparing with the analytical solution derived by using the bispherical coordinates. Besides, the relationship between the Trefftz bases and the singularity in the MFS for the three-dimensional Laplace problems is also addressed. It is found that one source of the MFS contains several interior and exterior Trefftz sets through a degenerate kernel. On the contrary, one single Trefftz base can be superimposed by some lumped sources in the MFS through an indirect BIEM. Based on this finding, the relationship between the fictitious boundary densities of the indirect BIEM and the singularity strength in the MFS can be constructed due to the fact that the MFS is a lumped version of an indirect BIEM. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.