Combining the DPG method with finite elements

We propose and analyze a discretization scheme that combines the discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin and finite element methods. The underlying model problem is of general diffusion-advection-reaction type on bounded domains, with decomposition into two sub-domains. We propose a heterogeneous variational formulation that is of the ultra-weak (Petrov-Galerkin) form with broken test space in one part, and of Bubnov-Galerkin form in the other. A standard discretization with conforming approximation spaces and appropriate test spaces (optimal test functions for the ultra-weak part and standard test functions for the Bubnov-Galerkin part) gives rise to a coupled DPG-FEM scheme. We prove its well-posedness and quasi-optimal convergence. Numerical results confirm expected convergence orders.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figure

A Nystr\"om-based finite element method on polygonal elements

We consider families of finite elements on polygonal meshes, that are defined implicitly on each mesh cell as solutions of local Poisson problems with polynomial data. Functions in the local space on each mesh cell are evaluated via Nystr\"om discretizations of associated integral equations, allowing for curvilinear polygons and non-polynomial boundary data. Several experiments demonstrate the approximation quality of interpolated functions in these spaces

Adaptive Finite Element Method for Simulation of Optical Nano Structures

We discuss realization, properties and performance of the adaptive finite element approach to the design of nano-photonic components. Central issues are the construction of vectorial finite elements and the embedding of bounded components into the unbounded and possibly heterogeneous exterior. We apply the finite element method to the optimization of the design of a hollow core photonic crystal fiber. Thereby we look at the convergence of the method and discuss automatic and adaptive grid refinement and the performance of higher order elements

Compatible finite element methods for numerical weather prediction

This article takes the form of a tutorial on the use of a particular class of mixed finite element methods, which can be thought of as the finite element extension of the C-grid staggered finite difference method. The class is often referred to as compatible finite elements, mimetic finite elements, discrete differential forms or finite element exterior calculus. We provide an elementary introduction in the case of the one-dimensional wave equation, before summarising recent results in applications to the rotating shallow water equations on the sphere, before taking an outlook towards applications in three-dimensional compressible dynamical cores.Comment: To appear in ECMWF Seminar proceedings 201

The Hellan-Herrmann-Johnson Method for Nonlinear Shells

In this paper we derive a new finite element method for nonlinear shells. The Hellan-Herrmann-Johnson (HHJ) method is a mixed finite element method for fourth order Kirchhoff plates. It uses convenient Lagrangian finite elements for the vertical deflection, and introduces sophisticated finite elements for the moment tensor. In this work we present a generalization of this method to nonlinear shells, where we allow finite strains and large rotations. The geometric interpretation of degrees of freedom allows a straight forward discretization of structures with kinks. The performance of the proposed elements is demonstrated by means of several established benchmark examples

Domain decomposition finite element/finite difference method for the conductivity reconstruction in a hyperbolic equation

We present domain decomposition finite element/finite difference method for the solution of hyperbolic equation. The domain decomposition is performed such that finite elements and finite differences are used in different subdomains of the computational domain: finite difference method is used on the structured part of the computational domain and finite elements on the unstructured part of the domain. The main goal of this method is to combine flexibility of finite element method and efficiency of a finite difference method. An explicit discretization schemes for both methods are constructed such that finite element and finite difference schemes coincide on the common structured overlapping layer between computational subdomains. Then the resulting scheme can be considered as a pure finite element scheme which allows avoid instabilities at the interfaces. We illustrate efficiency of the domain decomposition method on the reconstruction of the conductivity function in the hyperbolic equation in three dimensions