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A $C^1$-Conforming Arbitrary-Order Two-Dimensional Virtual Element Method for the Fourth-Order Phase-Field Equation

Journal Article · · Journal of Scientific Computing

We present a two-dimensional conforming virtual element method for the fourth-order phase-field equation. Our proposed numerical approach to the solution of this high-order phase-field (HOPF) equation relies on the design of an arbitrary-order accurate, virtual element space with $C^1$ global regularity. Such regularity is guaranteed by taking the values of the virtual element functions and their full gradient at the mesh vertices as degrees of freedom. Attaining high-order accuracy requires also edge polynomial moments of the trace of the virtual element functions and their normal derivatives. In this work, we detail the scheme construction, and prove its convergence by deriving error estimates in different norms. A set of representative test cases allows us to assess the behavior of the method.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
2574137
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--21-31995; 1573-7691; 10.1007/s10915-023-02409-w
Journal Information:
Journal of Scientific Computing, Journal Name: Journal of Scientific Computing Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 98; ISSN 1573-7691; ISSN 0885-7474
Publisher:
SpringerCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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