A simple nonconforming tetrahedral element for the Stokes equations

Abstract

In this paper we apply a nonconforming rotated bilinear tetrahedral element to the Stokes problem in $\mathbb{R}^3$. We show that the element is stable in combination with a piecewise linear, continuous, approximation of the pressure. This gives an approximation similar to the well known continuous $P^2-P^1$ Taylor$-$Hood element, but with fewer degrees of freedom. The element is a stable non-conforming low order element which fulfils Korn's inequality, leading to stability also in the case where the Stokes equations are written on stress form for use in the case of free surface flow.