Abstract Mixed finite element methods solve a PDE using two or more variables. The theory of Discrete Exterior Calculus explains why the degrees of freedom associated to the different variables should be stored on both primal and dual domain meshes with a discrete Hodge star used to transfer information between the meshes. We show through analysis and examples that the choice of discrete Hodge ...

A key ingredient in simulation of ow in porous media is accurate determination of the velocities that drive the ow. Large-scale irregularities of the geology (faults, fractures, and layers) suggest the use of irregular grids in simulation. This paper presents a control-volume mixed nite element method that provides a simple, systematic, easily implemented procedure for obtaining accurate veloci...

This paper treats the basic ideas of mixed finite element methods at an introductory level. Although the viewpoint presented is that of a mathematician, the paper is aimed at practitioners and the mathematical prerequisites are kept to a minimum. A classification of variational principles and of the corresponding weak formulations and Galerkin methods—displacement, equilibrium, and mixed—is giv...

Mixed finite element methods solve a PDE using two or more variables. The theory of Discrete Exterior Calculus explains why the degrees of freedom associated to the different variables should be stored on both primal and dual domain meshes with a discrete Hodge star used to transfer information between the meshes. We show through analysis and examples that the choice of discrete Hodge star is e...

In this paper, we consider the time dependent Maxwell’s equations in dispersive media on a bounded three-dimensional domain. Global superconvergence is obtained for semi-discrete mixed finite element methods for three most popular dispersive media models: the isotropic cold plasma, the one-pole Debye medium, and the two-pole Lorentz medium. Global superconvergence for a standard finite element ...

We study three mixed linear finite element methods for the numerical simulation of the two-dimensional Signorini problem. Applying Falk’s Lemma and saddle point theory to the resulting discrete mixed variational inequality allows us to state the convergence rate of each of them. Two of these finite elements provide optimal results under reasonable regularity assumptions on the Signorini solutio...