Comparisons of method of fundamental solutions, method of particular solutions and the MFS-QR; stability analysis

The goals of this paper are twofold: selection of pseudo-boundaries for sources nodes in the method of fundamental solutions (MFS), and comparisons of the MFS, the method of particular solutions (MPS) and the MFS-QR of Antunes. To pursue better pseudo-boundaries, we provide new estimates of the condition number (Cond) by the MFS for arbitrary pseudo-boundaries, and propose a new sensitivity index of stability via accuracy. Numerical experiments and comparisons are carried out to verify the analysis made. For five-pedal-flower-like domains, numerical comparisons are made by the sensitivity index. Circular pseudo-boundaries are optimal for highly smooth solutions, but the pseudo-boundaries near the domain boundary may be better for singular solutions. In this paper the gap has been shortened between theoretical analysis and numerical computation of the MFS, to provide some guidance for users. This is the first goal of this paper. The second goal is to compare the MFS, the MPS and the MFS-QR. Characteristics of the MFS-QR are explored. The new basis functions of the MFS-QR are the very particular solutions (PS), and the MFS-QR may be regarded as a special MPS. The MFS-QR is not a variant of the MFS but a variant of the MPS. The MFS-QR also plays a role in bridging from the MFS to the MPS. Both the MFS and the MPS can also be recognized as twins via the MFS-QR in the Trefftz family. The comparisons in this paper are more comprehensive.