Two-point stress approximation: A simple and robust finite volume method for linearized (poro-)elasticity and Stokes flow

In this paper, we construct a simple and robust two-point finite volume discretization applicable to isotropic linearized elasticity, valid also in the incompressible Stokes’ limit. The discretization is based only on co-located, cell-centered variables, and has a minimal discretization stencil, using only the two neighboring cells to a face to calculate numerical stresses and fluxes. The discretization naturally couples to finite volume discretizations of flow, providing a stable discretization of poroelasticity.

We show well-posedness of a weak statement of the continuous formulation in appropriate Hilbert spaces, and identify the appropriate weighted norms for the problem. For the discrete approximations, we prove stability and convergence, both of which are robust in terms of the material parameters. Numerical experiments in 3D support the theoretical results, and provide additional insight into the practical performance of the discretization.