Recovery-based error estimator for the natural-convection problem based on penalized finite element method

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to proposes and analyzes a novel recovery-based posteriori error estimator for the stationary natural-convection problem based on penalized finite element method. Design/methodology/approach The optimal error estimates of the penalty FEM are established by using the lower-order finite element pair P1-P0-P1 which does not satisfy the discrete inf-sup condition. Besides, a new recovery type posteriori estimator in view of the gradient recovery and superconvergent theory to deal with the discontinuity of the gradient of numerical solution. Findings The stability, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are confirmed by several numerical investigations. Originality/value The provided reliability and efficiency analysis is shown that the true error can be effectively bounded by the recovery-based error estimator.