Analysis of the finite element method for the Laplace--Beltrami equation on surfaces with regions of high curvature using graded meshes

Abstract

We derive error estimates for the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the Laplace--Beltrami operator on a bounded, orientable, $C^3$, surface without boundary on general shape regular meshes. As an application, we consider a problem where the domain is split into two regions: one which has relatively high curvature and one that has low curvature. Using a graded mesh we prove error estimates that do not depend on the curvature on the high curvature region. Numerical experiments are provided.