Robust virtual element methods for 3D stress-assisted diffusion problems

Abstract: This paper presents an initial exploration of stress-assisted diffusion problems in three dimensions within the framework of the virtual element method (VEM). Hilbert spaces enriched with parameter-weighted norms, the extended Babu\v{s}ka-Brezzi-Braess theory for perturbed saddle-point problems, and Banach fixed-point theory play a crucial role in performing a robust analysis of the fully coupled non-linear system. The proposed virtual element formulations are provided with appropriate projection, interpolation, and stabilisation operators that ensures the well-posedness of the discrete problem. Numerical simulations are conducted to show the accuracy, performance, and applicability of the method.