An edge-based anisotropic mesh refinement algorithm and its application to interface problems

Abstract

Based on an error estimate in terms of element edge vectors on arbitrary unstructured simplex meshes, we propose a new edge-based anisotropic mesh refinement algorithm. As themesh adaptation indicator, the error estimate involves only the gradient of error rather than higher order derivatives. The preferred refinement edge is chosen to reduce the maximal term in the error estimate. The algorithm is implemented in both two- and three-dimensional cases, and applied to the singular function interpolation and the elliptic interface problem. The numerical results demonstrate that the convergence order obtained by using the proposed anisotropic mesh refinement algorithm can be higher than that given by the isotropic one. © 2010 Global-Science Press.