Mapped finite element methods: High-order approximations of problems on domains with cracks and corners

Linear elasticity problems posed on cracked domains, or domains with re-entrant corners, yield singular solutions that deteriorate the optimality of convergence of finite element methods. In this work, we propose an optimally convergent finite element method for this class of problems. The method is based on approximating a much smoother function obtained by locally reparameterizing the solution around the singularities. This reparameterized solution can be approximated using standard finite element procedures yielding optimal convergence rates for any order of interpolating polynomials, without additional degrees of freedom or special shape functions. Hence, the method provides optimally convergent solutions for the same computational complexity of standard finite element methods. Furthermore, the sparsity and the conditioning of the resulting system is preserved. The method handles body forces and crack-face tractions, as well as multiple crack tips and re-entrant corners. The advantages of the method are showcased for four different problems: a straight crack with loaded faces, a circular arc crack, an L-shaped domain undergoing anti-plane deformation, and lastly a crack along a bimaterial interface. Optimality in convergence is observed for all the examples. A proof of optimal convergence is accomplished mainly by proving the regularity of the reparameterized solution. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.