Abstract: | In this paper, we consider an inexact Newton method applied to a second order non‐linear problem with higher order non‐linearities. We provide conditions under which the method has a mesh‐independent rate of convergence. To do this, we are required, first, to set up the problem on a scale of Hilbert spaces and second, to devise a special iterative technique which converges in a higher than first order Sobolev norm. We show that the linear (Jacobian) system solved in Newton's method can be replaced with one iterative step provided that the initial non‐linear iterate is accurate enough. The closeness criteria can be taken independent of the mesh size. Finally, the results of numerical experiments are given to support the theory. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |