Anisotropic finite elements for the Stokes problem: a posteriori error estimator and adaptive mesh

We propose an a posteriori error estimator for the Stokes problem using the Crouzeix–Raviart/P0 pair. Its efficiency and reliability on highly stretched meshes are investigated. The analysis is based on hierarchical space splitting whose main ingredients are the strengthened Cauchy–Schwarz inequality and the saturation assumption. We give a theoretical proof of a method to enrich the Crouzeix–Raviart element so that the strengthened Cauchy constant is always bounded away from unity independently of the aspect ratio. An anisotropic self-adaptive mesh refinement approach for which the saturation assumption is valid will be described. Our theory is confirmed by corroborative numerical tests which include an internal layer, a boundary layer, a re-entrant corner and a crack simulation. A comparison of the exact error and the a posteriori one with respect to the aspect ratio will be demonstrated.