A new parameter free partially penalized immersed finite element and the optimal convergence analysis

Abstract: This paper presents a new parameter free partially penalized immersed finite element method and convergence analysis for solving second order elliptic interface problems. A lifting operator is introduced on interface edges to ensure the coercivity of the method without requiring an ad-hoc stabilization parameter. The optimal approximation capabilities of the immersed finite element space is proved via a novel new approach that is much simpler than that in the literature. A new trace inequality which is necessary to prove the optimal convergence of immersed finite element methods is established on interface elements. Optimal error estimates are derived rigorously with the constant independent of the interface location relative to the mesh. The new method and analysis have also been extended to variable coefficients and three-dimensional problems. Numerical examples are also provided to confirm the theoretical analysis and efficiency of the new method.