Finite element techniques for problems of unbounded domains

A general approach for using infinite elements within the context of the finite element method is presented. Based upon Gauss-Laguerre quadrature, a scheme for numerically computing the infinite element characteristic matrices is proposed. The general formulation of the element shape functions is outlined, including that for infinite elements that model the far field of hyperbolic systems. The technique is illustrated with a classical example in elasticity: a vertically loaded circular rigid plate.