Meshfree First-Order System Least Squares

Abstract

We prove convergence for a meshfree first-order system least squares (FOSLS) partition of unity finite element method (PUFEM). Essentially, by virtue of the partition of unity, local approximation gives rise to global approximation in $\mathrm{H}(div)\cap\mathrm{H}(curl)$. The FOSLS formulation yields local a posteriori error estimates to guide the judicious allotment of new degrees of freedom to enrich the initial point set in a meshfree discretization. Preliminary numerical results are provided and remaining challenges are discussed.