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Finite elements on evolving surfaces

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 23:34 authored by G Dziuk, C M Elliott
In this article, we define a new evolving surface finite-element method for numerically approximating partial differential equations on hypersurfaces (t) in n+1 which evolve with time. The key idea is based on approximating (t) by an evolving interpolated polyhedral (polygonal if n = 1) surface h(t) consisting of a union of simplices (triangles for n = 2) whose vertices lie on (t). A finite-element space of functions is then defined by taking the set of all continuous functions on h(t) which are linear affine on each simplex. The finite-element nodal basis functions enjoy a transport property which simplifies the computation. We formulate a conservation law for a scalar quantity on (t) and, in the case of a diffusive flux, derive a transport and diffusion equation which takes into account the tangential velocity and the local stretching of the surface. Using surface gradients to define weak forms of elliptic operators naturally generates weak formulations of elliptic and parabolic equations on (t). Our finite-element method is applied to the weak form of the conservation equation. The computations of the mass and element stiffness matrices are simple and straightforward. Error bounds are derived in the case of semi-discretization in space. Numerical experiments are described which indicate the order of convergence and also the power of the method. We describe how this framework may be employed in applications. Key Words: finite elements; evolving surfaces; conservation; diffusion; existence; error estimates; computations

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

IMA Journal of Numerical Analysis

ISSN

0272-4979

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Volume

27

Page range

262

Department affiliated with

  • Mathematics Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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