A finite element method and variable transformations for a forward-backward heat equation (Q1277001)

The authors consider a forward-backward heat equation which arises in various and important applications. They show the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution and built up its Galerkin finite element approximation. The paper provides also the mathematical foundation for a variable transformation and an error analysis which shows an improvement of the considered approximation when compared with its previous form (due to the first author). Some numerical examples are thoroughly commented.