Analysis of the Finite Element Method for the Laplace–Beltrami Equation on Surfaces with Regions of High Curvature Using Graded Meshes

Abstract

We derive error estimates for the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the Laplace–Beltrami operator on a bounded, orientable, (Formula presented.), surface without boundary on general shape regular meshes. As an application, we consider a problem where the domain is split into two regions: one which has relatively high curvature and one that has low curvature. Using a graded mesh we prove error estimates that do not depend on the curvature on the high curvature region. Numerical experiments are provided. © 2017 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC