Numerical solution of Plateau’s problem by a finite element method

Abstract

This paper concerns the application of a finite element method to the numerical solution of a nonrestricted form of the Plateau problem, as well as to a free boundary problem of Plateau type. The solutions obtained here are examined for several examples and are considered to be sufficiently accurate. It is also observed that the hysteresis effect, which is a feature of a nonlinear problem, appears in this problem.