Mixed methods and lower eigenvalue bounds

Abstract

It is shown how mixed finite element methods for symmetric positive definite eigenvalue problems related to partial differential operators can provide guaranteed lower eigenvalue bounds. The method is based on a classical compatibility condition (inclusion of kernels) of the mixed scheme and on local constants related to compact embeddings, which are often known explicitly. Applications include scalar second-order elliptic operators, linear elasticity, and the Steklov eigenvalue problem.