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Pointwise error estimation and adaptivity for the finite element method using fundamental solutions

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Abstract

In this paper, we present a goal-oriented a posteriori error estimation technique for the pointwise error of finite element approximations using fundamental solutions. The approach is based on an integral representation of the pointwise quantity of interest using the corresponding Green's function, which is decomposed into an unknown regular part and a fundamental solution. Since only the regular part must be approximated with finite elements, very accurate results are obtained. The approach also allows the derivation of error bounds for the pointwise quantity, which are expressed in terms of the primal problem and the regular part problem. The presented technique is applied to linear elastic test problems in two-dimensions, but it can be applied to any linear problem for which fundamental solutions exist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    T. Grätsch

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109, Kassel, Germany

    F. Hartmann

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  1. T. Grätsch
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  2. F. Hartmann
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Correspondence to F. Hartmann.

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Grätsch, T., Hartmann, F. Pointwise error estimation and adaptivity for the finite element method using fundamental solutions. Comput Mech 37, 394–407 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-005-0711-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-005-0711-4

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