Basic problems of a posteriori error estimation (Q686933)

The substantial progress made in the theory and practice of adaptive techniques for solving partial differential equations is mostly due to the construction and study of reliable a posteriori error estimators and error indicators. In this paper the authors present an analysis of an a posteriori error estimator based on the use of hierarchical basis functions. They analyze nonlinear, nonselfadjoint, and indefinite problems as well as self- adjoint and positive definite problems. As examples, the authors apply the theory to some scalar elliptic equations and the Stokes system of equations.