A combined mixed finite element ADI scheme for solving Richards' equation with mixed derivatives on irregular grids (Q1007367)

The authors propose an efficient numerical method for solving semilinear parabolic problems with mixed derivative terms on non-rectangular domains. The spatial semidiscretization process isbased on an expanded mixed finite element scheme which, combined with suitable quadrature rules, is converted into a cell-centered finite difference scheme. This choice preserves the asymptotic accuracy and local conservation of mass of the method, while substantially reducing the computational cost. The resulting numerical algorithm involves sets of uncoupled tridiagonal systems which can be solved in parallel. Numerical results are also provided.