This paper proposes a statistical and probabilistic approach to compare and analyze the errors of two different approximation methods. We introduce the principle of numerical uncertainty in such a process, and we illustrate it by considering the discretization difference between two different approximation orders, e.g., first and second order Lagrangian finite element. Then, we derive a probabilistic approach to define and to qualify equivalent results. We illustrate our approach on a model problem on which we built the two above mentioned finite element approximations. We consider some variables as physical “predictors”, and we characterize how they influence the odds of the approximation methods to be locally “same order accurate”.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms
that this article contains no violation of any existing copyright or other third party right or any material of a libelous, confidential, or otherwise unlawful nature, and that I will indemnify and keep indemnified the Editor and THE PUBLISHER against all claims and expenses (including legal costs and expenses) arising from any breach of this warranty and the other warranties on my behalf in this agreement;
that I have obtained permission for and acknowledged the source of any illustrations, diagrams or other material included in the article of which I am not the copyright owner.
on behalf of any co-authors, I agree to this work being published in the above named journal, Open Access, and licenced under a Creative Commons Licence, 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This licence allows for the fullest distribution and re-use of the work for the benefit of scholarly information.
For authors that are not copyright owners in the work (for example government employees), please contact VILNIUS TECHto make alternative agreements.
