$\ell$FEM: An efficient loop-free Matlab implementation of isoparametric bulk and surface finite elements

Abstract

The $\ell$FEM MATLAB package provides a simple, efficient, and flexible implementation of isoparametric finite elements in bulk domains and on surfaces. The finite element matrix assemblies are based on MATLAB's paged operators and therefore completely loop-free. We give a short and conscious description of high-order isoparametric surface finite elements, which is then used to describe the assembly process and the implementation. We report on relevant numerical experiments (runtime comparisons, modifications for non-linear problems, etc.), and on additional functions, examples, and a testing unit which are all part of the $\ell$FEM package.