A convergence rate theorem for finite difference approximations to delta functions (Q933327)

A new rate of convergence for approximations to certain integrals over codimension one manifolds in \(\mathbb R^n\), is proved. The type of manifold is defined by the zero level set of a smooth mapping \(u:\mathbb R^n\to\mathbb R\). The approximation method used, is based on two finite difference methods for the discretizing of the delta function, originally presented by the author in a previous research work [J. Comput. Phys. 220, No. 2, 915--931 (2007; Zbl 1115.65028)], were empirical convergence rates had indicated the first and second order accuracy. In this work these convergence rates are proved for the two proposed algorithms, under fairly general hypotheses.