Superconvergence of finite element discretization of time relaxation models of advection (Q2458233)

The author studies the nodal accuracy of finite element discretizations of advection equations including a time relaxation term. Worst case error estimates have been derived for this combination (for the Navier-Stokes equations) by energy methods. By considering the Cauchy problem with uniform meshes, precise Fourier analysis of the error is possible. This analysis shows (1) the worst case upper bounds are sharp in the meshwidth \(h\), (2) time relaxation stabilization does not degrade the superconvergence of the usual finite element method, (3) time relaxation itself is possibly superconvergent, and (4) higher order time relaxation is preferable to maintain small numerical errors.