Finite Element Convergence Analysis For Wave Equations With Time-Dependent Coefficients

Abstract

Error estimates are proved for finite element approximations to the solution of second-order hyperbolic partial differential equations with coefficients varying in both space and time. Optimal rates of convergence in the energy norm are proved for the semi-discrete Galerkin finite element solution by introducing a time-dependent Ritz-like projection. Numerical experiments corroborate the rates of convergence and illustrate the localized wave field enhancement in a chain of time-modulated subwavelength resonators.