In this talk, we compare and contrast a few finite element h-adaptive
and hp-adaptive algorithms. We test these schemes on three example PDE
problems and we utilize and evaluate an a posteriori error estimate.
In the process, we introduce a new framework to
study adaptive algorithms and a posteriori error estimators. Our innovative
environment begins with a solution u and then uses interpolation to
simulate solving a corresponding PDE. As a result, we always know the
exact error and we avoid the noise associated with solving.
Using an effort indicator, we evaluate the relationship between accuracy
and computational work. We report the order of convergence of different
approaches. And we evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of an
a posteriori error estimator.