A posteriori error estimates for fem–bem couplings of three-dimensional electromagnetic problems

We present residual based and p-hierarchical a posteriori error estimators for a Galerkin method coupling finite elements and boundary elements for time–harmonic interface problems in electromagnetics; special emphasis is taken for the eddy current problem. The Galerkin discretization uses lowest order Nédélec elements in the interior domain and vectorial surface rotations of continuous, piecewise linear functions on the interface boundary. Singular, weakly singular and hypersingular boundary integral operators appearing in the variational formulation show up in the terms of the error estimators as well. The estimators are derived from the defect equation using Helmholtz and Hodge decompositions. Numerical tests underline reliability and efficiency of the given error estimators yielding reasonable mesh refinements.     

Asynchronous multi-domain variational integrators for nonlinear hyperelastic solids

We present the asynchronous multi-domain variational time integrators with a dual domain decomposition method for the initial hyperbolic boundary-value problem in hyperelasticity. Variational time integration schemes, based on the principle of minimal action within the Lagrangian framework, are constructed for the equation of motion and implemented into a variational finite element framework, which is systematically derived from the three-field de Veubeke-Hu-Washizu variational principle to accommodate the incompressibility constraint present in an analysis of nearly-incompressible materials. For efficient parallel computing, we use the dual domain decomposition method with local Lagrange multipliers to ensure the continuity of the displacement field at the interface between subdomains. The α-method for time discretization and the multi-domain spatial decomposition enable us to use different types of integrators (explicit vs. implicit) and different time steps on different parts of a computational domain, and thus efficiently capture the underlying physics with less computational effort. The energy conservation of our nonlinear, midpoint, asynchronous integration scheme is investigated using the Energy method, and both local and the global energy error estimates are derived. We illustrate the performance of proposed variational multi-domain time integrators by means of three examples. First, the method of manufactured solutions is used to examine the consistency of the formulation. In the second example, we investigate energy conservation and stability. Finally, we apply the method to the motion of a heterogeneous plane domain, where different integrators and time discretization steps are used accordingly with disparate material data of individual parts.     

Analysis of mixed finite element methods for the standard linear solid model in viscoelasticity

We propose mixed finite element methods for the standard linear solid model in viscoelasticity and prove a priori error estimates. In our mixed formulation the governing equations of the problem become a symmetric hyperbolic system, so we can use standard techniques for a priori error estimates and time discretization. Numerical results illustrating our theoretical analysis are included.     

A posteriori error estimates for the primary and dual variables for the div first-order least-squares finite element method

We propose a posteriori error estimators for first-order div least-squares (LS) finite element method for linear elasticity, Stokes equations and general second-order scalar elliptic problems. Our main interest is obtaining a posteriori error estimators for the dual variables (fluxes, strains, stress, etc.) which are main quantity of interest in many applications. We also provide a posteriori error estimators for the primary variable. These estimators are obtained from the local least-squares functional by assigning weight coefficients scaling the respective residuals. The weight coefficients are given in terms of local meshsize h_K. We establish the global upper bounds and local lower bounds for the estimators. The estimators can be easily computed from the finite element solution together with the given problem data and provide basis for mesh refinement criteria for efficient computation of finite element solution (the indicators and estimators are identical). Numerical experiments show a superior performance of our a posteriori estimators for user-specific norm over the standard LS functional.     

A posteriori error estimates for discontinuous Galerkin approximation of non-stationary convection-diffusion optimal control problems

In this paper, we investigate a discontinuous Galerkin finite element approximation of non-stationary convection dominated diffusion optimal control problems with control constraints. The state variable is approximated by piecewise linear polynomial space and the control variable is discretized by variational discretization concept. Backward Euler method is used for time discretization. With the help of elliptic reconstruction technique residual type a posteriori error estimates are derived for state variable and adjoint state variable, which can be used to guide the mesh refinement in the adaptive algorithm. Numerical experiment is presented, which indicates the good behaviour of the a posteriori error estimators.     

Weak Galerkin method for the Biot’s consolidation model

We develop a weak Galerkin (WG) finite element method for the Biot’s consolidation model in the classical displacement–pressure two-field formulation. Weak Galerkin linear finite elements are used for both displacement and pressure approximations in spatial discretizations. Backward Euler scheme is used for temporal discretization in order to obtain an implicit fully discretized scheme. We study the well-posedness of the linear system at each time step and also derive the overall optimal-order convergence of the WG formulation. Such WG scheme is designed on general shape regular polytopal meshes and provides stable and oscillation-free approximation for the pressure without special treatment. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed weak Galerkin finite element method.     

Worst case bounds on the point-wise discretization error in boundary element method for the elasticity problem

In this work, point-wise discretization error is bounded via interval approach for the elasticity problem using interval boundary element formulation. The formulation allows for computation of the worst case bounds on the boundary values for the elasticity problem. From these bounds the worst case bounds on the true solution at any point in the domain of the system can be computed. Examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment of local discretization error in elasticity problem via interval methods.     

Error estimation and adaptive procedures based on superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) techniques

Summary  The paper discusses error estimation and adaptive finite element procedures for elasto-static and dynamic problems based on superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) techniques. The SPR is a postprocessing procedure to obtain improved finite element solutions by the least squares fitting of superconvergent stresses at certain sampling points in local patches. An enhancement of the original SPR by accounting for the equilibirum equations and boundary conditions is proposed. This enhancement improves the quality of postprocessed solutions considerably and thus provides an even more effective error estimate. The patch configuration of SPR can be either the union of elements surrounding a vertex node, thenode patch, or, the union of elements surrounding an element, theelement patch. It is shown that these two choices give normally comparable quality of postprocessed solutions. The paper is also concerned with the application of SPR techniques to a wide range of problems. The plate bending problem posted in mixed form where force and displacement variables are simultaneously used as unknowns is considered. For eigenvalue problems, a procedure of improving eigenpairs and error estimation of the eigenfrequency is presented. A postprocessed type of error estimate and an adaptive procedure for the semidiscrete finite element method are discussed. It is shown that the procedure is able to update the spatial mesh and the time step size so that both spatial and time discretization errors are controlled within specified tolerances. A discontinuous Galerkin method for solving structural dynamics is also presented.     

Coupled model- and solution-adaptivity in the finite-element method

Modeling of elastic thin-walled beams, plates and shells as ID- and 2D-boundary value problems is valid in undisturbed subdomains. Disturbances near supports and free edges, in the vicinity of concentrated loads and at thickness jumps cannot be described in a sufficient way by 1D- and 2D-BVPs. In these disturbed subdomains dimensional (d)-adaptivity and model (m)-adaptivity have to be performed coupled with h- and/or p-adaptivity using hierarchically expanded test spaces in order to guarantee reliable and efficient overall results. The expansion strategy is applied for enhancing the spatial dimension and the model which is more efficient and evident for engineers than the reduction method.

Using local residual error estimators of the primal problem in the energy norm by solving Dirichlet-problems on element patches, an efficient integrated adaptive calculation of the discretization—and the dimensional error is possible and reasonable, demonstrated by examples.

We also present an error estimator of the dual problem, namely a posterior equilibrium method (PEM) for calculation of the interface tractions on local patches with Neumann boundary conditions, using orthogonality conditions. These tractions are equilibrated with respect to the global equilibrium condition of the stress resultants. An upper bound error estimator based on differences between the new tractions and the discontinuous tractions calculated from the stresses of the current finite element solution. The introduction of new element boundary tractions yields a method which can be regarded as a stepwise hybrid displacement method or as Trefftz method for local Neumann problems of element patches.

An important advantage of PEM is the coupled computation of local discretization, dimensional- and model errors by an additive split.     

Adaptive FE-procedures in shape optimization

In structural optimization the quality of the optimization result strongly depends on the reliability of the underlying structural analysis. This comprises the quality and range of the mechanical model, e.g. linear elastic or geometrically and materially nonlinear, as well as the accuracy of the numerical model, e.g. the discretization error of the FE-model. The latter aspect is addressed in the present contribution. In order to guarantee the quality of the numerical results the discretization error of the finite element solution is controlled and the finite element discretization is adaptively refined during the optimization process. Conventionally, so-called global error estimates are applied in structural optimization which estimate the error of the total strain energy. In the present paper local error estimates are introduced in shape optimization which allow to control directly the discretization error of local optimization criteria. In general, the adaptive refinement of the finite element discretization by remeshing affects the convergence of the optimization process if a gradient-based optimization algorithm is applied. In order to reduce this effect the sensitivity of the discretization error must also be restricted. Suitable refinement indicators are developed for globally and locally adaptive procedures. Finally, the potential of two techniques, which may improve the numerical efficiency of adaptive FE-procedures within the optimization process, is studied. The proposed methods and procedures are verified by 2-D shape optimization examples. Received June 3, 1999     

A Posteriori Error Estimators for a Class of Variational Inequalities

In this paper, we present an a posteriori error analysis for the finite element approximation of a variational inequality. We derive a posteriori error estimators of residual type, which are shown to provide upper bounds on the discretization error for a class of variational inequalities provided the solutions are sufficiently regular. Furthermore we derive sharp a posteriori error estimators with both lower and upper error bounds for a subclass of the obstacle problem which are frequently met in many physical models. For sufficiently regular solutions, these estimates are shown to be equivalent to the discretization error in an energy type norm. Our numerical tests show that these sharp error estimators are both reliable and efficient in guiding mesh adaptivity for computing the free boundaries.     

On error estimates of the fully discrete penalty method for the viscoelastic flow problem

In this paper, a fully discrete finite element penalty method is presented for the two-dimensional viscoelastic flow problem arising in the Oldroyd model, in which the spatial discretization is based on the finite element approximation and the time discretization is based on the backward Euler scheme. Moreover, we provide the optimal error estimate for the numerical solution under some realistic assumptions. Finally, some numerical experiments are shown to illustrate the efficiency of the penalty method.     

Error estimates of fully discrete mixed finite element methods for semilinear quadratic parabolic optimal control problem

In this paper we study the fully discrete mixed finite element methods for quadratic convex optimal control problem governed by semilinear parabolic equations. The space discretization of the state variable is done using usual mixed finite elements, whereas the time discretization is based on difference methods. The state and the co-state are approximated by the lowest order Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element spaces and the control is approximated by piecewise constant elements. By applying some error estimates techniques of mixed finite element methods, we derive a priori error estimates both for the coupled state and the control approximation. Finally, we present a numerical example which confirms our theoretical results.     

A fully discrete scheme for the pressure–stress formulation of the time-domain fluid–structure interaction problem

We propose an implicit Newmark method for the time integration of the pressure–stress formulation of a fluid–structure interaction problem. The space Galerkin discretization is based on the Arnold–Falk–Winther mixed finite element method with weak symmetry in the solid and the usual Lagrange finite element method in the acoustic medium. We prove that the resulting fully discrete scheme is well-posed and uniformly stable with respect to the discretization parameters and Poisson ratio, and we provide asymptotic error estimates. Finally, we present numerical tests to confirm the asymptotic error estimates predicted by the theory.     

Vorticity–velocity–pressure formulation for Navier–Stokes equations

We analyze here the bidimensional boundary value problems, for both Stokes and Navier–Stokes equations, in the case where non standard boundary conditions are imposed. A well-posed vorticity–velocity–pressure formulation for the Stokes problem is introduced and its finite element discretization, which needs some stabilization, is then studied. We consider next the approximation of the Navier–Stokes equations, based on the previous approximation of the Stokes equations. For both problems, the convergence of the numerical approximation and optimal error estimates are obtained. Some numerical tests are also presented.     

Finite element methods for unsteady solidification problems arising in prediction of morphological structure

Galerkin finite element methods are presented for calculation of the dynamic transitions between planar and deep two-dimensional cellular interface morphologies in directional solidification of a binary alloy from models that include solute transport, the phase diagram, and the interfacial free energy between melt and crystals. The unknown melt-solid interface shape is accounted for in the finite element formulation by mapping the equations to a fixed domain. Novel nonorthogonal transformations are introduced combining cylindrical and Cartesian coordinate interface representations for approximating the deep cellular interfaces that evolve from a planar solidification front. The algorithm for time integration combines a fully implicit Adams-Moulton algorithm with the Isotherm-Newton method for solving the nonlinear set of differential-algebraic equations that result from the spatial discretization of the moving-boundary problem. The fully implicit scheme is found to be more accurate and efficient than an explicit predictor-corrector algorithm. Sample calculations show the connectivity between families of shapes with resonant spatial wavelengths.     

A general construction of local error estimators for conforming finite elements

A local a posteriori error estimation for conforming finite elements in linear elasticity is presented. The error is measured approximately by error estimators in the form of a local energy norm per element. These estimators can be derived in a systematic way for any type of conforming model. An essential feature of the construction is a polynomial interpolation of an integral type to discretize the defects inherent in a finite element approximation.     

Dynamic inelastic structural analysis by boundary element methods

Summary Boundary element methodologies for the determination of the response of inelastic two-and three-dimensional solids and structures as well as beams and flexural plates to dynamic loads are briefly presented and critically discussed. Elastoplastic and viscoplastic material behaviour in the framework of small deformation theories are considered. These methodologies can be separated into four main categories: those which employ the elastodynamic fundamental solution in their formulation, those which employ the elastostatic fundamental solution in their formulation, those which combine boundary and finite elements for the creation of an efficient hybrid scheme and those representing special boundary element techniques. The first category, in addition to the boundary discretization, requires a discretization of those parts of the interior domain expected to become inelastic, while the second category a discretization of the whole interior domain, unless the inertial domain integrals are transformed by the dual reciprocity technique into boundary ones, in which case only the inelastic parts of the domain have to be discretized. The third category employs finite elements for one part of the structure and boundary elements for its remaining part in an effort to combine the advantages of both methods. Finally, the fourth category includes special boundary element techniques for inelastic beams and plates and symmetric boundary element formulations. The discretized equations of motion in all the above methodologies are solved by efficient step-by-step time integration algorithms. Numerical examples involving two-and three-dimensional solids and structures and flexural plates are presented to illustrate all these methodologies and demonstrate their advantages. Finally, directions for future research in the area are suggested.     

Accuracy and convergence of a finite element algorithm for laminar boundary layer flow

The Galerkin-weighted residuals formulation is employed to derive an implicit finite element solution algorithm for a generally non-linear initial-boundary value problem. Solution accuracy and convergence with discretization refinement are quantized in several error norms, for the non-linear parabolic partial differential equation system governing laminar boundary layer flow, using linear, quadratic and cubic functions. Richardson extrapolation is used to isolate integration truncation error in all norms, and Newton iteration is employed for all equation solutions performed in double-precision. The mathematical theory supporting accuracy and convergence concepts for linear elliptic equation appears extensible to the non-linear equations characteristic of laminar boundary layer flow.