Solution of parameter-dependent diffusion equation in layered media

Abstract: This work studies the parameter-dependent diffusion equation in a two-dimensional domain consisting of locally mirror symmetric layers. It is assumed that the diffusion coefficient is a constant in each layer. The goal is to find approximate parameter-to-solution maps that have a small number of terms. It is shown that in the case of two layers one can find a solution formula consisting of three terms with explicit dependencies on the diffusion coefficient. The formula is based on decomposing the solution into orthogonal parts related to both of the layers and the interface between them. This formula is then expanded to an approximate one for the multi-layer case. We give an analytical formula for square layers and use the finite element formulation for more general layers. The results are illustrated with numerical examples and have applications for reduced basis methods by analyzing the Kolmogorov n-width.