An $H^{-1}$ least-squares UnCut FEM on domains defined by a level set function

Abstract

We propose a novel UnCut finite element method (FEM) for the Poisson and Stokes equations on domains with curved boundaries represented by a level set function. Like the $\phi$-FEM, the method avoids numerical integration over cut subregions of boundary elements, but introduces a novel least-squares formulation that minimizes an $H^{-1}$ residual of the governing equations. This formulation ensures stability without requiring large stabilization parameters, thereby eliminating the need for user-tuned penalty parameters and improving the robustness of the computation. Optimal-order convergence of the UnCut FEM solutions is rigorously established in the $H^1$ norm for both the Poisson and Stokes equations, and numerical experiments are presented to support the theoretical analysis.