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In this paper, four three-node triangular finite element models which can readily be incorporated into the standard finite element program framework are devised via a multi-field variational functional for the bounded plane Helmholtz problem. In the models, boundary and domain fields are independently assumed. The former is constructed by nodal interpolation and the latter comprises nonsingular solutions of the Helmholtz equation. The equality of the two fields are enforced along the element boundary. Among the four devised models, the most accurate one is 1/3 to 1/2 less erroneous than the conventional single-field model in most examples.

The pure boundary element method (BEM) is effective for the solution of a large class of problems. The main appeal of this BEM (reduction of the problem dimension by one) is tarnished to some extent when a fundamental solution to the governing equations does not exist as in the case of nonlinear problems. The easy to implement local point interpolation method applied to the strong form of differential equations is an attractive numerical approach. Its accuracy deteriorates in the presence of Neumann-type boundary conditions which are practically inevitable in solid mechanics. The main appeal of the BEM can be maintained by a judicious coupling of the pure BEM with the local point interpolation method. The resulting approach, named the LPI-BEM, seems versatile and effective. This is demonstrated by considering some linear and nonlinear elasticity problems including multi-physics and multi-field problems.