Strongly Elliptic Systems and Boundary Integral Equations

Partial differential equations provide mathematical models of many important problems in the physical sciences and engineering. This book treats one class of such equations, concentrating on methods involving the use of surface potentials. William McLean provides the first detailed exposition of the mathematical theory of boundary integral equations of the first kind on non-smooth domains. Included are chapters on three specific examples: the Laplace equation, the Helmholtz equation and the equations of linear elasticity. The book affords an ideal background for studying the modern research literature on boundary element methods.

"Overall, this is a very readable account, well-suited for people interested in boundary integral and element methods. It should be particularly useful to the numerical analysts who seek a broader and deeper understanding of the non-numerical theory." Mathematical Reviews