Petrov–Galerkin space-time hp-approximation of parabolic equations in H1/2

Abstract

Abstract We analyse a class of variational space-time discretizations for a broad class of initial boundary value problems for linear, parabolic evolution equations. The space-time variational formulation is based on fractional Sobolev spaces of order $1/2$ and the Riemann–Liouville derivative of order $1/2$ with respect to the temporal variable. It accommodates general, conforming space discretizations and naturally accommodates discretization of infinite horizon evolution problems. We prove an inf-sup condition for $hp$-time semidiscretizations with an explicit expression of stable test functions given in terms of Hilbert transforms of the corresponding trial functions; inf-sup constants are independent of temporal order and the time-step sequences, allowing quasi-optimal, high-order discretizations on graded time-step sequences, and also $hp$-time discretizations. For solutions exhibiting Gevrey regularity in time and taking values in certain weighted Bochner spaces, we establish novel exponential convergence estimates in terms of $N_t$, the number of (elliptic) spatial problems to be solved. The space-time variational setting allows general space discretizations and, in particular, for spatial $hp$-FEM discretizations. We report numerical tests of the method for model problems in one space dimension with typical singular solutions in the spatial and temporal variable. $hp$-discretizations in both spatial and temporal variables are used without any loss of stability, resulting in overall exponential convergence of the space-time discretization.