In this paper we introduce and analyze new mixed finite volume methods for second order elliptic problems which are based on H(div)-conforming approximations for the vector variable and discontinuous approximations for the scalar variable. The discretization is fulfilled by combining the ideas of the traditional finite volume box method and the local discontinuous Galerkin method. We propose two different types of methods, called Methods I and II, and show that they have distinct advantages over...

In this paper we are concerned with a distributed optimal control problem governed by an elliptic partial differential equation. State constraints of box type are considered. We show that the Lagrange multiplier associated with the state constraints, which is known to be a measure, is indeed more regular under quite general assumptions. We discretize the problem by continuous piecewise linear finite elements and we are able to prove that, for the case of a linear equation, the order of convergence...

This paper presents a unified framework for the dual-weighted residual (DWR) method for a class of nonconforming FEM. Our approach is based on a modification of the dual problem and uses various ideas from literature which are combined in a new manner. The results are new error identities for some nonconforming FEM. Additionally, a posteriori error estimates with respect to the discrete $H^1$-seminorm are derived.

We provide new sufficient conditions for the convergence of the secant method to a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation in a Banach space. Our new idea uses “Lipschitz-type” and center-“Lipschitz-type” instead of just “Lipschitz-type” conditions on the divided difference of the operator involved. It turns out that this way our error bounds are more precise than the earlier ones and under our convergence hypotheses we can cover cases where the earlier conditions are violated.

We compute numerically the minimizers of the Dirichlet energy$$E\left(u\right)=\frac{1}{2}{\int }_{B^2}{\left|\nabla u\right|}^2\mathrm{d}x$$among maps $u:B^2\to S^2$ from the unit disc into the unit sphere that satisfy a boundary condition and a degree condition. We use a Sobolev gradient algorithm for the minimization and we prove that its continuous version preserves the degree. For the discretization of the problem we use continuous $P_1$ finite elements. We propose an original mesh-refining strategy needed to preserve the degree with the discrete version of the algorithm (which is a preconditioned...

We compute numerically the minimizers of the Dirichlet energy $$E\left(u\right)=\frac{1}{2}{\int }_{B^2}{\left|\nabla u\right|}^2\mathrm{d}x$$ among maps $u:B^2\to S^2$ from the unit disc into the unit sphere that satisfy a boundary condition and a degree condition. We use a Sobolev gradient algorithm for the minimization and we prove that its continuous version preserves the degree. For the discretization of the problem we use continuous P1 finite elements. We propose an original mesh-refining strategy needed to preserve the degree with the discrete version of the algorithm (which...

The paper deals with error estimates and lower bound approximations of the Steklov eigenvalue problems on convex or concave domains by nonconforming finite element methods. We consider four types of nonconforming finite elements: Crouzeix-Raviart, $Q_1^{\mathrm{rot}}$, $E{Q}_1^{\mathrm{rot}}$ and enriched Crouzeix-Raviart. We first derive error estimates for the nonconforming finite element approximations of the Steklov eigenvalue problem and then give the analysis of lower bound approximations. Some numerical results are presented to...

Low-order nonconforming Galerkin methods will be analyzed for second-order elliptic equations subjected to Robin, Dirichlet, or Neumann boundary conditions. Both simplicial and rectangular elements will be considered in two and three dimensions. The simplicial elements will be based on P1, as for conforming elements; however, it is necessary to introduce new elements in the rectangular case. Optimal order error estimates are demonstrated in all cases with respect to a broken norm in H1(Ω)...

Compared to conforming P1 finite elements, nonconforming P1 finite element discretizations are thought to be less sensitive to the appearance of distorted triangulations. E.g., optimal-order discrete $H^1$ norm best approximation error estimates for $H^2$ functions hold for arbitrary triangulations. However, the constants in similar estimates for the error of the Galerkin projection for second-order elliptic problems show a dependence on the maximum angle of all triangles in the triangulation. We demonstrate...

Approximation of nonhomogeneous boundary conditions of Dirichlet and Neumann types is suggested in solving boundary value problems of elliptic equations by the finite element method. Curved triangular elements are considered. In the first part of the paper the convergence of the finite element method is analyzed in the case of nonhomogeneous Dirichlet problem for elliptic equations of order $2m+2$, in the second part of the paper in the case of nonhomogeneous mixed boundary value problem for second order...

The paper deals with boundary value problems for systems of nonlinear elliptic equations in a relatively general form. Theorems based on monotone operator theory and concerning the existence of weak solutions of such a system, as well as the convergence of discretized problem solutions are presented. As an example, the approach is applied to the stationary Van Roosbroeck’s system, arising in semiconductor device modelling. A convergent algorithm suitable for solving sets of algebraic equations generated...

Linear tetrahedral finite elements whose dihedral angles are all nonobtuse guarantee the validity of the discrete maximum principle for a wide class of second order elliptic and parabolic problems. In this paper we present an algorithm which generates nonobtuse face-to-face tetrahedral partitions that refine locally towards a given Fichera-like corner of a particular polyhedral domain.

Shape optimization problems are optimal design problems in which the shape of the boundary plays the role of a design, i.e. the unknown part of the problem. Such problems arise in structural mechanics, acoustics, electrostatics, fluid flow and other areas of engineering and applied science. The mathematical theory of such kind of problems has been developed during the last twelve years. Recently the theory has been extended to cover also situations in which the behaviour of the system is governed...