The Gradient Discretization Method for Optimal Control Problems, with Superconvergence for Nonconforming Finite Elements and Mixed-Hybrid Mimetic Finite Differences

Abstract

In this paper, optimal control problems governed by diffusion equations with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are investigated in the framework of the gradient discretization method. Gradient schemes are defined for the optimality system of the control problem. Error estimates for state, adjoint, and control variables are derived. Superconvergence results for gradient schemes under realistic regularity assumptions on the exact solution are discussed. These superconvergence results are shown to apply to nonconforming P1 finite elements and to the mixed-hybrid mimetic finite differences. Results of numerical experiments are demonstrated for the conforming, nonconforming and mixed-hybrid mimetic finite difference schemes.