Analysis of mixed finite elements methods for the Stokes problem: a unified approach

Abstract

We develop a method for the analysis of mixed finite element methods for the Stokes problem in the velocity-pressure formulation. A technical "macroelement condition", which is sufficient for the classical Babuška-Brezzi inequality to be valid, is introduced. Using this condition,we are able to verify the stability, and optimal order of convergence, of several known mixed finite element methods.