Finite element solution to the parabolic wave equation

In seeking more ways to predict underwater sound fields, the underwater acoustical parabolic wave equation is solved using the finite element (FE) method. The mathematical theory for the finite element method in an N-medium case is discussed, when the conditions of continuity of pressure and continuity of the normal component of particle velocity are perfectly satisfied at each interface. Several propagation examples for horizontal and irregular interfaces are presented to demonstrate the capability of this effective FE method.