Further to the discussion of hybrid Trefftz FEM in Chapter 1, this chapter
presents an overview of applications of the fundamental solution based FEM for heat
conduction and seepage problems. The fundamental solution based FEM discussed here
is significantly different from the previous three FEM types mentioned in Chapter 1. In
this method, a linear combination of the fundamental solution at different points
approximates the field variable within the element. The independent frame field defined
along the element boundary and the modified variational functional are employed to
guarantee inter-element continuity, generate the final stiffness equation and establish
linkage between the boundary frame field and the internal field in the element.
Keywords: Finite element method, Functionally graded material, Fundamental
solution, Heat conduction, Seepage.
