A mixed finite-element method for fourth-order elliptic problems with variable coefficients

A new mixed finite-element method for the solution of the Dirichlet problem of fourth-order elliptic partial differential equations with variable coefficients on a convex polygon has been developed in this paper. Biharmonic and bending problems of elastic plates, for which this technique allows a simultaneous approximation to the deflection, components of the change in curvature tensor and the bending and twisting moments, are the particular cases of the problem considered in the paper. Error estimate for the mixed finite-element solution has been given.