Numerical simulation of the wave equation with discontinuous coefficients by nonconforming finite elements

The goal of this article is to apply the mortar finite element method to th e numerical simulation of (electromagnetic and/or acoustic) waves propagati ng in;an; inhomogeneous support. This approach allows us to use meshes well adapted to the local physical parameters of the media without any conformi ty constraints. A complete mathematical study is supplied providing the exp ected optimal convergence rate. Numerical performances of such a technique, as well as its advantages, are also discussed. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.