Tuning the Role of Unknowns in Higher Order Finite Element Methods

Tuning the Role of Unknowns in Higher Order Finite Element Methods

Prof. Christoph Lehrenfeld

Date & Time

26 Nov 2025 (Wed) | 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Venue

Online via Zoom
Registration Link: https://cityu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7O1T2oHLTmWp73clqlTqtQ

ABSTRACT

Higher-order finite element methods (FEM) offer superior accuracy per degree of freedom but often come with increased computational cost and complexity. This talk explores how different formulations—conforming, non-conforming (discontinuous Galerkin), and hybrid or Trefftz-like approaches—can be understood through the lens of local and global unknowns. By systematically tuning the role of these unknowns, one can achieve more efficient and flexible discretizations. We discuss static condensation, hybridization, and Trefftz-type techniques that exploit local-global splittings to reduce global coupling and computational effort without compromising accuracy. The presentation connects classical FEM concepts with recent developments such as hybridized and embedded Trefftz DG methods.

PDF Link

Tuning the Role of Unknowns in Higher Order Finite Element Methods