Discrete maximum principle for finite element parabolic models in higher dimensions (Q991484)

The author investigates a question on the numerical solution of initial-boundary problems for parabolic problems in higher dimensions. Linear finite element methods (FEMs) are used in the numerical experiments. The author considers discrete mathematical models in order to describe a real-life problem. These models should have various qualitative properties which typically arise from some basic principles of the modelled phenomena. The author gives the conditions for the geometry of the mesh and for the choice of the discretization parameters. He also investigates the discrete weak/strong boundary principle for the discrete heat conduction operator \[ L_{\alpha,\beta} = \frac{\partial}{\partial t} -\alpha \Delta_{d}+\beta\equiv \frac{\partial}{\partial t} -\alpha \sum_{m=1}^d \frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2_m} + \beta, \] where the discretization is done by linear FEMs with respect to the space variable and he applies the one-step \(\theta\)-method for the time integration. He gives conditions under which the qualitative properties hold. He investigates the particular case when \(\beta=0\). Finally, he defines the conditions and compares the bounds for different discretization methods.