The boundary element method (BEM) is now a well-established numerical technique which provides an efficient alternative to the prevailing finite difference and finite element methods for the solution of a wide range of engineering problems. The main advantage of the BEM is its unique ability to provide a complete problem solution in terms of boundary values only, with substantial savings in computer time and data preparation effort. An initial restriction of the BEM was that the fundamental solution to the original partial differential equation was required in order to obtain an equivalent boundary in tegral equation. Another was that non-homogeneous terms accounting for effects such as distributed loads were included in the formulation by means of domain integrals, thus making the technique lose the attraction of its "boundary-only" character. Many different approaches have been developed to overcome these problems. It is our opinion that the most successful so far is the dual reciprocity method (DRM), which is the subject matter of this book. The basic idea behind this approach is to employ a fundamental solution corresponding to a simpler equation and to treat the remaining terms, as well as other non-homogeneous terms in the original equation, through a procedure which involves a series expansion using global approximating functions and the application of reciprocity principles.

The success of the method is reflected in the works carried out by several active groups around the world and presented here in the chapters of the book.