Finite element approximation of solutions to a class of nonlinear hyperbolic-parabolic equations (Q1807703)

The authors investigate a numerical approximation of \textit{S. S. Antman} and \textit{T. I. Seidman}'s model [J. Differ. Equations 124, No. 1, 132-185 (1996; Zbl 0844.35021)] of the longitudinal motion of a viscoelastic rod. The constitutive assumptions ensure that infinite compressive stress is necessary to produce total compression of the rod. The authors study the regularity of solution of the continuous problem, the convergence of a semi-discrete finite element method, and properties of a space-time finite element scheme. Results of sample computations are also provided.