Uniform convergence of Galerkin-multigrid methods for nonconforming finite elements for second-order problems with less than full elliptic regularity

In this article we prove uniform convergence estimates for the recently developed Galerkin-multigrid methods for nonconforming finite elements for second-order problems with less than full elliptic regularity. These multigrid methods are defined in terms of the "Galerkin approach," where quadratic forms over coarse grids are constructed using the quadratic form on the finest grid and iterated coarse-to-fine intergrid transfer operators. Previously, uniform estimates were obtained for problems with full elliptic regularity, whereas these estimates are derived with less than full elliptic regularity here. Application, to the nonconforming P-1. rotated Q(1), and Wilson finite elements are analyzed. The result applies to the mixed method based on finite elements that are equivalent to these nonconforming elements. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.