Thu, 05 May 2016
14:00 -
15:00
L5
How to effectively compute the spectrum of the Laplacian with mixed Dirichlet and Neumann data
Professor Nilima Nigam
(Simon Fraser University)
Abstract
Eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator with mixed Dirichet-Neumann boundary conditions may possess singularities, especially if the Dirichlet-Neumann junction occurs at angles $\geq \frac{\pi}{2}$. This suggests the use of boundary integral strategies to solve such eigenproblems. As with boundary value problems, integral-equation methods allow for a reduction of dimension, and the resolution of singular behaviour which may otherwise present challenges to volumetric methods.
In this talk, we present a novel integral-equation algorithm for mixed Dirichlet-Neumann eigenproblems. This is based on joint work with Oscar Bruno and Eldar Akhmetgaliyev (Caltech).
For domains with smooth boundary, the singular behaviour of the eigenfunctions at Dirichlet-Neumann junctions is incorporated as part of the discretization strategy for the integral operator. The discretization we use is based on the high-order Fourier Continuation method (FC).
For non-smooth (Lipschitz) domains an alternative high-order discretization is presented which achieves high-order accuracy on the basis of graded meshes.
In either case (smooth or Lipschitz boundary), eigenvalues are evaluated by examining the minimal singular values of a suitable discrete system. A naive implementation will not succeed even in simple situations. We implement a strategy inspired by one suggested by Trefethen and Betcke, who developed a modified method of particular solutions.
The method is conceptually simple, and allows for highly accurate and efficient computation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, even in challenging geometries.
