Two FEM-BEM methods for the numerical solution of 2D transient elastodynamics problems in unbounded domains

We consider wave propagation problems in 2D unbounded isotropic homogeneous elastic media, with rigid boundary conditions. For their solution, we propose and compare two alternative numerical approaches, both obtained by coupling the differential equation with the associated space-time boundary integral equation. The latter is defined on an artificial boundary, chosen to surround the (bounded) exterior computational domain of interest. The integral equation defines a boundary condition which is non-reflecting for incoming and also for outgoing waves. In both approaches, the differential equations are discretized by applying a finite element method combined with the Crank Nicolson time marching scheme, while the discretization of the integral equation is obtained by coupling a time convolution quadrature with a space collocation boundary element method. The construction of the two approaches is described and discussed. Some numerical tests are also presented.