The \(h\)-\(p\) version of the coupling of finite element and boundary element methods for transmission problems in polyhedral domains (Q1267062)

The authors prove the exponential rate of convergence for a coupled finite element and boundary element solution method for the transmission problem in three dimensions. The solution is formulated as a finite element solution, \(u_1\), on a finite polygonal domain \(\Omega_1\) coupled with a boundary element solution, \(u_2\), on the exterior of \(\Omega_1\). The Calderón operator for the exterior problem is used to construct the weak operators used for the finite element problem on \(\Omega_1\). The resulting symmetric coupling method follows the development of \textit{M. Costabel} [``Symmetric methods for the coupling of finite elements and boundary elements,'' in C. A. Brebbia, et al. (Eds.), Boundary elements, IX, Vol. 1, pp. 411-420, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1988)]. This analysis depends on a delicate examination of behavior of solutions near corners and also careful construction of graded mesh refinements near corners and edges of polygonal regions. In the present paper, this analysis is extended to the case of coupled interior and exterior problems employing common meshes on the separating surface.