Least-squares versus partial least-squares finite element methods : Robust a priori and a posteriori error estimates of augmented mixed finite element methods

In this paper, for the generalized Darcy problem (an elliptic equation with discontinuous coefficients), we study a special partial Least-Squares (Galerkin-least-squares) method, known as the augmented mixed finite element method, and its relationship to the standard least-squares finite element method (LSFEM). Two versions of augmented mixed finite element methods are proposed in the paper with robust a priori and a posteriori error estimates. Augmented mixed finite element methods and the standard LSFEM uses the same a posteriori error estimator: the evaluations of numerical solutions at the corresponding least-squares functionals. As partial least-squares methods, the augmented mixed finite element methods are more flexible than the original LSFEMs. As comparisons, we discuss the mild non-robustness of a priori and a posteriori error estimates of the original LSFEMs. A special case that the L²-based LSFEM is robust is also presented for the first time. Extensive numerical experiments are presented to verify our findings. © 2025 The Author(s)