Error analysis of mixed finite element methods for nonlinear parabolic equations

Abstract

In this paper, we prove a discrete embedding inequality for the Raviart--Thomas mixed finite element methods for second order elliptic equations, which is analogous to the Sobolev embedding inequality in the continuous setting. Then, by using the proved discrete embedding inequality, we provide an optimal error estimate for linearized mixed finite element methods for nonlinear parabolic equations. Several numerical examples are provided to confirm the theoretical analysis.

17 pages, 5 figures