Auxiliary Space Preconditioning of Finite Element Equations Using a Nonconforming Interior Penalty Reformulation and Static Condensation

Abstract: We modify the well-known interior penalty finite element discretization method so that it allows for element-by-element assembly. This is possible due to the introduction of additional unknowns associated with the interfaces between neighboring elements. The resulting bilinear form, and a Schur complement (reduced) version of it, are utilized in a number of auxiliary space preconditioners for the original conforming finite element discretization problem. These preconditioners are analyzed on the fine scale and their performance is illustrated on model second order scalar elliptic problems discretized with high order elements.