Simulation of multiphysics problems using adaptive finite elements

Abstract

Real world applications often involve several types of physics. In practice, one often solves such multiphysics problems by using already existing single physics solvers. To satisfy an overall accuracy, it is critical to understand how accurate the individual single physics solution must be. In this paper, we present a framework for a posteriori error estimation of multiphysics problems and derive an algorithm for estimating the total error. We illustrate the technique by solving a coupled flow and transport problem with application in porous media flow. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.