Convergence of mixed finite element approximations for the shallow arch problem

Summary The stability and convergence of mixed finite element methods are investigated, for an equilibrium problem for thin shallow elastic arches. The problem in its standard form contains two terms, corresponding to the contributions from the shear and axial strains, with a small parameter. Lagrange multipliers are introduced, to formulate the problem in an alternative mixed form. Questions of existence and uniqueness of solutions to the standard and mixed problems are addressed. It is shown that finite element approximations of the mixed problem are stable and convergent. Reduced integration formulations are equivalent to a mixed formulation which in general is distinct from the formulation shown to be stable and convergent, except when the order of polynomial interpolationt of the arch shape satisfies 1tmin (2,r) wherer is the order of polynomial approximation of the unknown variables.