Key words: Dual analysis, Equilibrium elements, Error estimation,
Adaptive refinement,
Local error.
Abstract. Dual analysis requires the determination of both a
compatible and an equilibrated
solution of a given problem. The first may be easily obtained from
a standard finite
element model, while the second may be obtained using equilibrium finite
elements. In this
paper, the role that can be played by dual analysis in the context
of error estimation and
adaptivity is discussed, as well as the performance and cost that can
be expected from this
approach.