Unfitted finite element methods based on correction functions for Stokes flows with singular forces of low regularity. (30th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Qian; Ji, Haifeng; Liang, Dong
• Is Part Of: Computers & fluids. Volume 256(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-30
• Subjects: 65N15 -- 65N30 -- 65N12 -- 76D07; Interface -- Unfitted mesh -- Stokes problem -- Singular force -- Correction function; Fluid dynamics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 532.050285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compfluid.2023.105861
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-7930

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents an unfitted finite element method based on correction functions for solving stationary Stokes flows with singular forces acting on an immersed interface. It has been shown that the singular force is equivalent to a nonhomogeneous jump condition on the interface. In this paper, we consider the case that the jump has a low regularity so that it is impossible to use pointwise values on the interface to construct correction functions, as done in Guzmán et al. (2016). The natural way to deal with the problem is to use mean values of the jump on the parts of the interface cut by elements, instead of using pointwise values. However, we show that it may cause instability and the constant in the error estimate may depend on the interface location relative to the mesh. Inspired by Guo et al. (2019), we use a larger fictitious circle to overcome these issues. Associated with the correction functions, we consider two stable finite element pairs: the Mini element and the P 2 − P 0 element, including the cases of continuous and discontinuous pressures. The optimal approximation capabilities of the correction functions and optimal error estimates of the finite element methods are both derived with a hidden constant independent of the interface location relative to the mesh. Numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical results. Highlights: An unfitted mesh method is proposed to solve the Stokes interface problems. A new technique is proposed to construct the correction functions. Optimal error estimates independent of the interface location relative to the mesh.