Approximation of the eigenvalues of a fourth order differential equation with non-smooth coefficients (Q1182615)

The eigenvalue problem \((au'')''=\lambda bu\), \(u(0)=u'(0)=u(1)=u'(1)=0\) with non-smooth coefficients \(a\), \(b\) is considered. The problem is approximated by a non-standard finite element method (\({\mathcal L}_ 2\) finite element method) which was introduced by the author and \textit{A. Lutoborski} [Numer. Math. 50, 125-145 (1986; Zbl 0583.65053)] for a corresponding source problem. Error estimates for the approximate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are obtained. If the coefficients are of bounded variation the order of eigenvalue convergence is \(O(h^ 3)\). Moreover, the method is shown to be very robust.