A residual-driven local iterative corrector scheme for the multiscale finite element method

Abstract

We describe a local iterative corrector scheme that significantly improves the accuracy of the multiscale finite element method (MsFEM). Our technique is based on the definition of a local corrector problem for each multiscale basis function that is driven by the residual of the previous multiscale solution. Each corrector problem results in a local corrector solution that improves the accuracy of the corresponding multiscale basis function at element interfaces. We cast the strategy of residual-driven correction in an iterative scheme that is straightforward to implement and, due to the locality of corrector problems, well-suited for parallel computing. We show that the iterative scheme converges to the best possible fine-mesh solution. Finally, we illustrate the effectiveness of our approach with multiscale benchmarks characterized by missing scale separation, including the microCT-based stress analysis of a vertebra with trabecular microstructure.