A Posteriori Error Estimation Techniques for Finite Element Methods

This book reviews the most frequently used a posteriori error estimation techniques and applies them to a broad class of linear and nonlinear elliptic and parabolic equations. Although there are various approaches to adaptivity and a posteriori error estimation, they are all based on a few common principles. The main aim of the book is to elaborate these basic principles and to give guidelines for developing adaptive schemes for new problems.

Chapters 1 and 2 are quite elementary and present various error indicators and their use for mesh adaptation in the framework of a simple model problem. The basic principles are introduced using a minimal amount of notations and techniques providing a complete overview for the non-specialist. Chapters 4-6 on the other hand are more advanced and present a posteriori error estimates within a general framework using the technical tools collected in Chapter 3. Most sections close with a bibliographical remark which indicates the historical development and hints at further results.