Approximation capability of a bilinear immersed finite element space

This article discusses a bilinear immersed finite element (IFE) space for solving second-order elliptic boundary value problems with discontinuous coefficients (interface problem). This is a nonconforming finite element space and its partition can be independent of the interface. The error estimates for the interpolation of a Sobolev function indicate that this IFE space has the usual approximation capability expected from bilinear polynomials. Numerical examples of the related finite element method are provided. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.