A Generalized Finite Difference-Based Fragile Points Method for Heat Conduction Problems in Nonhomogeneous Media
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents an enhanced formulation of the Fragile Points Method (FPM), a truly meshless approach for efficiently modeling implicit interfaces in two-dimensional differential equations involving nonhomogeneous materials. The proposed framework eliminates the need for specialized numerical integration techniques and provides a systematic mathematical foundation for solving interface problems. Discontinuities in both primary and secondary variables across interfaces are naturally handled through the inherently discontinuous shape functions of FPM. Unlike the conventional Galerkin methods, FPM employs simple, local, point-based polynomial trial and test functions constructed via a generalized finite difference approach. These discontinuous functions bypass the continuity requirements of standard Galerkin frameworks. To address the resulting inconsistency due to discontinuities, we incorporate numerical flux corrections inspired by the discontinuous Galerkin method. The proposed method is validated through several benchmark problems, demonstrating its efficiency, and robustness.
Authors: Smriti, Sundararajan Natarajan, Abinash Malla
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7126249756