Wavenumber explicit convergence analysis for finite element discretizations of general wave propagation problems

Abstract

Abstract We analyse the convergence of finite element discretizations of time-harmonic wave propagation problems. We propose a general methodology to derive stability conditions and error estimates that are explicit with respect to the wavenumber $k$. This methodology is formally based on an expansion of the solution in powers of $k$, which permits to split the solution into a regular, but oscillating part, and another component that is rough, but behaves nicely when the wavenumber increases. The method is developed in its full generality and is illustrated by three particular cases: the elastodynamic system, the convected Helmholtz equation and the acoustic Helmholtz equation in homogeneous and heterogeneous media. Numerical experiments are provided, which confirm that the stability conditions and error estimates are sharp.