A Convergent Nonconforming Adaptive Finite Element Method with Quasi-Optimal Complexity

Abstract

In this paper, we prove convergence and quasi-optimal complexity of a simple adaptive nonconforming finite element method. In each step of the algorithm, the iterative solution of the discrete system is controlled by an adaptive stopping criterion, and the local refinement is based on either a simple edge residual or a volume term, depending on an adaptive marking strategy. We prove that this marking strategy guarantees a strict reduction of the error, augmented by the volume term and an additional oscillation term, and quasi-optimal complexity of the generated sequence of meshes.