Error Bounds for Hermite Interpolation by Quadratic Splines on an {alpha}-Triangulation

For l, an -triangulation F of a planar domain is such that,for every T F, there holds 1 R_T/2r_T , where R_T (resp. r_T)denotes the radius of the circumscribed (resp. inscribed) circleof the triangle T. When T is varying in F the centre of itsinscribed circle is varying in a compact interior to T and itsorthogonal projections on the sides are varying in compact intervalsinterior to these sides. Precise results are given about thesizes of these compacts and are used for the computation oferror constants in the problem of Hermite interpolation by Powell-Sabinquadratic finite elements, bringing to the fore their dependenceon the parameter .     

Finite Element Approximation of a Rigid Punch Indenting a Membrane

Optimal order H¹ and L error bounds are obtained for a continuouspiecewise linear finite element approximation of an obstacleproblem, where the obstacle's height as well as the contactzone, _c, are a priori unknown. The problem models the indentationof a membrane by a rigid punch. For R², given ,g R⁺ and an obstacle defined over E we consider the minimization of |v|²_1,+gµover (v, µ) H¹₀() x R subject to v+µ on E. In additionwe show under certain nondegeneracy conditions that dist (_c,^h_c)Ch ln 1/h, where ^h_c is the finite element approximation to_c. Finally we show that the resulting algebraic problem canbe solved using a projected SOR algorithm.     

Numerical Solvability of Hammerstein Integral Equations of Mixed Type

We consider a mixed Hammerstein integral equation of the form where –<a<b<, y, f_i and k_i, (1im) are known functionsand x is a solution to be determined. In this paper, we obtainexistence, uniqueness, and numerical solvability of (I) undercertain smoothness assumptions on the known functions y, f_iand k_i.     

Fitted and Unfitted Finite-Element Methods for Elliptic Equations with Smooth Interfaces

This paper considers the finite-element approximation of theelliptic interface problem: -?(u) + cu = f in Rⁿ (n = 2 or3), with u = 0 on , where is discontinuous across a smoothsurface in the interior of . First we show that, if the meshis isoparametrically fitted to using simplicial elements ofdegree k - 1, with k 2, then the standard Galerkin method achievesthe optimal rate of convergence in the H¹ and L² norms overthe approximations _l⁴ of _l where _{l 2}. Second, since itmay be computationally inconvenient to fit the mesh to , weanalyse a fully practical piecewise linear approximation ofa related penalized problem, as introduced by Babuska (1970),based on a mesh that is independent of . We show that, by choosingthe penalty parameter appropriately, this approximation convergesto u at the optimal rate in the H¹ norm over _l⁴ and in the L²norm over any interior domain _l^* satisfying _l^* _l^** _l⁴ for somedomain _l^**. Present address: School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences,University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH     

Finite-Element Approximation of a Plasma Equilibrium Problem

The plasma problem studied is: given R⁺ find (, d, u) R ?R ? H¹() such that Let ₁ < ₂ be the first two eigenvalues of the associatedlinear eigenvalue problem: find $$\left(\lambda ,\phi \right)\in\mathrm{R;}\times {\hbox{ H }}_{0}^{1}\left(\Omega \right)$$such that For ₀(0,₂) it is well known that there exists a unique solution(₀, d₀, u₀) to the above problem. We show that the standard continuous piecewise linear Galerkinfinite-element approximatinon $$\left({\lambda }_{0},{\hbox{d }}_{0}^{k},{u}_{0}^{h}\right)$$, for ₀(0,₂), converges atthe optimal rate in the H¹, L², and L norms as h, the mesh length,tends to 0. In addition, we show that dist (, ^h)Ch² ln 1/h,where $${\Gamma }^{\left(h\right)}=\left\{x\in \Omega :{u}_{0}^{\left(h\right)}\left(x\right)=0\right\}$$.Finally we consider a more practical approximation involvingnumerical integration.     

Complex Dynamics of Convergence Acceleration

Generalized Steffensen methods are nonderivative algorithmsfor the computation of fixed points of a function f. They replacethe functional iteration Z_m+1=f(Z_m) with Z_m+1=F_n(Z_m, where F_nis explicitly provided for every n 1 as a quotient of two Hankeldeterminants. In this paper we derive rules pertaining to thelocal behaviour of these methods. Specifically, and subjectto analyticity, given that is a bounded fixed point of f, thenit is also a fixed point of F_n. Moreover, unless f'() vanishesor is a root of unity, becomes a superattractive fixed pointof F_n of degree n; if f'() is a root of unity of minimal degreeq2, then is (as a fixed point of F_n) superattractive of degreemin {q-1, n}; if f'()=1, then is attractive for F_n; and, finally,if is superattractive of degree s (as a fixed point of f),then it becomes superattractive of degree (s + 1)^n–1(ns+ s + 1)–1. Attractivity rules change at infinity (providedthat f()=). Broadly speaking, infinity becomes less attractivefor F_n, Since one is interested in convergence to finite fixedpoints, this further enhances the appeal of generalized Steffensenmethods.     

Rate of convergence of numerical approximations to homoclinic bifurcation points

For x=f (x, ), x Rⁿ, R, having a hyperbolic or semihyperbolicequilibrium p(), we study the numerical approximation of parametervalues ^* at which there is an orbit homoclinic to p(). We approximate^* by solving a finite-interval boundary value problem on J=[T_–,T₊], T_–<0<T₊, with boundary conditions that sayx(T_–) and x(T₊) are in approximations to appropriate invariantmanifolds of p(). A phase condition is also necessary to makethe solution unique. Using a lemma of Xiao-Biao Lin, we improve,for certain phase conditions, existing estimates on the rateof convergence of the computed homoclinic bifurcation parametervalue , to the true value ^*. The estimates we obtain agree withthe rates of convergence observed in numerical experiments.Unfortunately, the phase condition most commonly used in numericalwork is not covered by our results.     

Discontinuous Galerkin finite element approximation of quasilinear elliptic boundary value problems I: the scalar case

^** Email: Paul.Houston{at}mcs.le.ac.uk^*** Email: Janice.Robson{at}comlab.ox.ac.uk^**** Email: Endre.Suli{at}comlab.ox.ac.uk We develop a one-parameter family of hp-version discontinuousGalerkin finite element methods, parameterised by [–1,1], for the numerical solution of quasilinear elliptic equationsin divergence form on a bounded open set ^d, d 2. In particular,we consider the analysis of the family for the equation –·{µ(x, |u|)u} = f(x) subject to mixed Dirichlet–Neumannboundary conditions on . It is assumed that µ is a real-valuedfunction, µ C( x [0, )), and thereexist positive constants m_µ and M_µ such that m_µ(t– s) µ(x, t)t – µ(x, s)s M_µ(t– s) for t s 0 and all x . Using a result from the theory of monotone operators for any valueof [–1, 1], the corresponding method is shown to havea unique solution u_DG in the finite element space. If u C¹() H^k(), k 2, then with discontinuous piecewise polynomials ofdegree p 1, the error between u and u_DG, measured in the brokenH¹()-norm, is (h^s–1/p^k–3/2), where 1 s min {p+ 1, k}.     

Projective Modules over the Non-Commutative Sphere

The positive cone of the K₀-group of the non-commutative sphereB is explicitly determined by means of the four basic unboundedtrace functionals discovered by Bratteli, Elliott, Evans andKishimoto. The C*-algebra B is the crossed product A x Z₂ ofthe irrational rotation algebra A by the flip automorphism defined on the canonical unitary generators U, V by (U) = U*,(V) = V*, where VU = e²ⁱ UV and is an irrational real number.This result combined with Rieffel's cancellation techniquesis used to show that cancellation holds for all finitely generatedprojective modules over B. Subsequently, these modules are determinedup to isomorphism as finite direct sums of basic modules. Italso follows that two projections p and q in a matrix algebraover B are unitarily equivalent if, and only if, their vectortraces are equal: [p] = [q]. These results will have the following ramifications. They areused (elsewhere) to show that the flip automorphism on A isan inductive limit automorphism with respect to the basic buildingblock construction of Elliott and Evans for the irrational rotationalgebra. This will, in turn, yield a two-tower proof of thefact that B is approximately finite dimensional, first provedby Bratteli and Kishimoto.     

Total Flux Estimates for a Finite-Element Approximation of Parabolic Equations

An initial-boundary-value problem for a parabolic equation ina domain x (0, T) with prescribed Dirichlet data on is approximatedusing a continuous-time Galerkin finite-element scheme. It isshown that the total flux across ₁= can be approximated withan error of O(h^k) when is a curved domain in Rⁿ (n = 2 or 3)and isoparametric elements having approximation power h^k inthe L² norm are used.     

Best Approximation with Coefficient Constraints

For given = (₁,..., _n) and ß = (ß₁,...,ß_n), with – _i < ß_i (i = 1, ...,n) and continuous functions u₁,...,u_n, set This paper is concerned with best approximating continuous functions,in the uniform norm, from U(; ß). We exactly characterizethe u₁,..., u_n for which the best approximant to every continuousfunction is unique. We also present a general theorem characterizingall best approximants. When (u₁,..., u_n) is a Descartes, ora weak Descartes, system on [0, 1], explicit characterizationsof the best approximants in terms of equioscillations are given.These results are applied to spline spaces. They are also usedto complete the characterizations in certain specific examplespreviously considered in the literature.     

Total Flux Estimates for a Finite-Element Approximation of Elliptic Equations

An elliptic boundary-value problem on a domain with prescribedDirichlet data on _I is approximated using a finite-elementspace of approximation power h^K in the L² norm. It is shownthat the total flux across _I can be approximated with an errorof O(h^K) when is a curved domain in Rⁿ (n = 2 or 3) and isoparametricelements are used. When is a polyhedron, an O(h^2K–2)approximation is given. We use these results to study the finite-elementapproximation of elliptic equations when the prescribed boundarydata on _I is the total flux. Present address: School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences,University of Sussex, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9QH.     

Discrete methods in the study of an inverse problem for Laplace's equation

Let u be harmonic in the interior of a rectangle and satisfythe third-kind boundary condition u_n + yu = where 0, y 0with supports included in the bottom and in the top side of, respectively. Recovering y from a knowledge of and of thetrace of u on the bottom is a nonlinear inverse problem ofinterest in the field of nondestructive evaluation. A convergentGalerkin method for approximating y is proposed and tested innumerical experiments.     

A note on least-squares mixed finite elements in relation to standard and mixed finite elements

^** Email: brandts{at}science.uva.nl The least-squares mixed finite-element method for second-orderelliptic problems yields an approximation u_h V_h H₀¹() of thepotential u together with an approximation p_{h h} H(div ; )of the vector field p = – Au. Comparing u_h with the standardfinite-element approximation of u in V_h, and p_h with the mixedfinite-element approximation of p, it turns out that they arehigher-order perturbations of each other. In other words, theyare ‘superclose’. Refined a priori bounds and superconvergenceresults can now be proved. Also, the local mass conservationerror is of higher order than could be concluded from the standarda priori analysis.     

On hearing the shape of a bounded domain with Robin boundary conditions

The asymptotic expansions of the trace of the heat kernel (t)= [sum ]_j=1 exp(-t_j) for small positive t, where {_j} _j=1 arethe eigenvalues of the negative Laplacian -_n = -[sum ]ⁿ_k=1 (/x^k)²in Rⁿ (n = 2 or 3), are studied for a general multiply connectedbounded domain which is surrounded by simply connected boundeddomains _i with smooth boundaries _i (i = 1,...,m), where smoothfunctions Y_i (i = 1,...,m) are assuming the Robin boundary conditions(n_i + Y_i) = 0 on _i. Here /n_i denote differentiations along theinward-pointing normals to _i (i = 1,...,m). Some applicationsof an ideal gas enclosed in the multiply connected bounded containerwith Neumann or Robin boundary conditions are given.     

A necessary and sufficient algebraic condition for the controllability of a thermoelastic plate equation

In this paper we give a necessary and sufficient algebraic conditionfor the approximate controllability of the following thermoelasticplate equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions w_tt + ²w + = a₁(x)u₁ + ... + a_m(x)u_m, t 0, x , _t – ß – w_t = d₁(x)u₁ + ... + d_m(x)u_m,t 0, x , = w = w = 0, t 0, x , where 0, ß > 0, is a sufficiently regular boundeddomain in R^N, a_i, d_i, L² (; R), the control functions u_i L²(0, t₁; R); i = 1, 2, ..., m. This condition is easy to checkand is given by Rank [P_jBA_jP_jBA²_jP_jB ... A^3_j–1_jP_jB] = 3_j,BU=b₁U₁+...+b_mU_m,b_i=[0, a_i, d_i], A_j=[0, –²_j, 0, 1, 0, –_j, 0, _j, –ß_j]P_j, j1, where _j, S are the eigenvalues of – with Dirichlet boundarycondition and P_j, S are the projections on the correspondingeigenspace.     

Some Properties of Free Groups of Some Soluble Varieties of Groups

Let F be a free group, and let _n(F) be the nth term of the lowercentral series of F. It is proved that F/[_j(F), _i(F), _k(F)]and F/[_j(F), _i(F), _k(F), _l(F)] are torsion free and residuallynilpotent for certain values of i, j, k and i, j, k, l, respectively.In the process of proving this, it is proved that the analogousLie rings are torsion free.     

Optimal backward perturbation bounds for the linear least-squares problem with multiple right-hand sides

Let A be an mn matrix, B be an mr matrix, and $$\stackrel{\&macr;}{X}$$be an approximate solution to the problem of minimizing ||AX–B||_F.In this note we consider the following open problem: find anexplicit expression of the optimal backward perturbation bound_F$${\eta }_{F}\left(\tilde{X}\right)$$ dehned by where is a positive number. This problem is solved when $$\tilde{X}$$is of full column rank.     

Some Remarks on the Cone of Completely Positive Maps between Von Neumann Algebras

The close relationship between the notions of positive formsand representations for a C*-algebra A is one of the most basicfacts in the subject. In particular the weak containment ofrepresentations is well understood in terms of positive forms:given a representation of A in a Hilbert space H and a positiveform on A, its associated representation is weakly containedin (that is, ker ker ) if and only if belongs to the weak*closure of the cone of all finite sums of coefficients of .Among the results on the subject, let us recall the followingones. Suppose that A is concretely represented in H. Then everypositive form on A is the weak* limit of forms of the typex ^k_{i=1 i}, x_i with the _i in H; moreover if A is a von Neumannsubalgebra of (H) and is normal, there exists a sequence (_i)_{i 1} in H such that (x) = _{i 1 i}, x_i for all x.     

Convergence of a finite-element approximation of surfactant spreading on a thin film in the presence of van der Waals forces

We consider a fully practical finite-element approximationof the following system of nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations: (u)/(t) + . (u² [(v)]) - (1)/(3) .(u³ w)= 0, w = - c u - u^-+ a u^-3 , (v)/(t) + . (u v [(v)]) - v - .(u² v w) = 0. The above models a surfactant-driven thin-film flow in the presenceof both attractive, a>0, and repulsive, >0 with >3,van der Waals forces; where u is the height of the film, v isthe concentration of the insoluble surfactant monolayer and(v):=1-v is the typical surface tension. Here 0 and c>0 arethe inverses of the surface Peclet number and the modified capillarynumber. In addition to showing stability bounds for our approximation,we prove convergence, and hence existence of a solution to thisnonlinear degenerate parabolic system, (i) in one space dimensionwhen >0; and, moreover, (ii) in two space dimensions if inaddition 7. Furthermore, iterative schemes for solving the resultingnonlinear discrete system are discussed. Finally, some numericalexperiments are presented.