Fully-discrete finite element approximation for a family of degenerate parabolic problems

Abstract: The aim of this work is to show an abstract framework to analyze the numerical approximation by using a finite element method in space and a Backward-Euler scheme in time of a family of degenerate parabolic problems. We deduce sufficient conditions to ensure that the fully-discrete problem has a unique solution and to prove quasi-optimal error estimates for the approximation. Finally, we show a degenerate parabolic problem which arises from electromagnetic applications and deduce its well-posedness and convergence by using the developed abstract theory, including numerical tests to illustrate the performance of the method and confirm the theoretical results. Keywords: parabolic degenerate equations, parabolic-elliptic equations, finite element method, backward Euler scheme, fully-discrete approximation, error estimates, eddy current model.