Approximation of the solution of a fourth order boundary value problem with nonsmooth coefficient (Q1069279)

A class of generalized finite element methods for the approximate solution of a fourth order two point boundary value problem with nonsmooth coefficient is presented. The methods are based on the use of problem dependent L-splines incorporating the nonsmoothness of the coefficient. Stability is proved and optimal error estimates in the \(H^ 2\) norm are derived for the solution and postprocessed solution, under the assumption that the coefficient is of bounded variation. The relation of these methods to mixed methods is discussed.