A finite element method for the solution of a potential theory integral equation

This paper discusses a finite element approximation for an integral equation of the second kind deduced from a potential theory boundary value problem in two variables. The equation is shown to admit a unique solution, to be variational and coercive in the Hilbert space of functions σ ε H^1/2(Γ), f_rd γ = 0. The Galerkin method with finite elements as trial functions is shown to lead to an optimal rate of convergence.