Radial basis approximation functions in the boundary element dual reciprocity method

The most important class of functions employed in the Dual Reciprocity Method are the Radial Basis Functions, which are used both on their own or combined with augmentation functions. Since the publication of a book about the method in 1992 [2] there has been much research into the choice of Functions employed with the method. Many new functions have been proposed and used to solve engineering problems. Given this wealth of new functions, it is necessary to know something about the properties and behaviour of each in order to be able to define an adequate function for a given problem. To this end in this paper some examples are solved using a wide range of functions and the results obtained with each function compared.