The reduction of a pair of singular integral equations

Abstract

AbstractA method is derived for converting a pair of coupled singular integral equations of a certain form into a single equation of the same (Cauchy-separable) type. Reduction methods for systems of singular integral equations are generally directed towards the construction of equivalent Fredholm equations. Preservation of the singular nature of the kernel in the reduction process permits the powerful techniques associated with Cauchy kernels to be used in seeking closed solutions of the original pair.The example given, derived previously from a problem in wave diffraction theory, illustrates many aspects of the method.