A mixed finite element method for fourth order eigenvalue problems (Q1030217)

The paper is concerned with finite element discretizations of plate-type eigenvalue problems for fourth-order differential operators on convex bounded polyonal domains, together with Dirichlet boundary conditions. A mixed finite element method is proposed which requires less continuity properties across inner element edges than the ``usual'' mixed scheme. This goal is achieved by introduction of an additional Lagrange parameter. It is shown that the new scheme is equivalent to the usual one in an appropriate sense. The concrete computer implementation procedure is described, and several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the new scheme.