\(h\)-adaptive finite element computation of time-harmonic exterior acoustics problems in two dimensions (Q1376626)

We carry out adaptive finite element computations of the Helmholtz equation in two dimensions, in the context of time-harmonic exterior acoustics. The purpose is to demonstrate potentially significant cost savings engendered through adaptivity for propagating solutions at moderate wave numbers \((ka= 2\pi,4\pi)\). The computations are performed on meshes of linear triangles, and are adapted to the solution by locally changing element sizes (\(h\)-refinement). The adaptive procedure involves applying an explicit, residual-based a posteriori error estimator and an \(h\)-adaptive strategy. The adaptive meshes are then obtained through global mesh regeneration using an advancing front mesh generator. Two different finite element formulations are considered: the Galerkin and Galerkin least-squares methods. The infinite physical domain is truncated by an artificial exterior boundary, on which a fully coupled Dirichlet-to-Neumann boundary condition is applied. We test the method on two problems: plane wave scattering by a rigid infinite surface (circular and square cross sections), and nonuniform radiation from an infinite circular cylinder.