Hybrid finite element boundary element solutions for three dimensional scalar potential problems

The Hybrid finite element - boundary element method has been shown to be an effective and efficient method for the solution of two dimensional. [1] and axisymmetric [2] electromagnetic field problems. The method allows for any region in the problem to be represented by either finite elements or boundary elements. Thus the user can solve open boundary problems or certain classes of exterior problems [3] by using the boundary element method and still retain the nonlinear capability of the finite element method for regions with nonlinear materials. The method is now extended to three dimensional scalar potential problems. An example is presented here for a three dimensional problem. The results were then compared to a closed form solution.