Algebraic convergence for anisotropic edge elements in polyhedral domains

Abstract

We study approximation errors for the h-version of Nedelec edge elements on anisotropically refined meshes in polyhedra. Both tetrahedral and hexahedral elements are considered, and the emphasis is on obtaining optimal convergence rates in the H(curl) norm for higher order elements. Two types of estimates are presented: First, interpolation error estimates for functions in anisotropic weighted Sobolev spaces. Here we consider not only the H(curl)-conforming Nedelec elements, but also the H(div)-conforming Raviart-Thomas elements which appear naturally in the discrete version of the de Rham complex. Our technique is to transport error estimates from the reference element to the physical element via highly anisotropic coordinate transformations. Second, Galerkin error estimates for the standard H(curl) approximation of time harmonic Maxwell equations. Here we use the anisotropic weighted Sobolev regularity of the solution on domains with three-dimensional edges and corners. We also prove the discrete compactness property needed for the convergence of the Maxwell eigenvalue problem. Our results generalize those of [40] to the case of polyhedral corners and higher order elements.