A New Stable Bubble Element for Incompressible Fluid Flow Based on a Mixed Petrov–Galerkin Finite Element Formulation

A new mixed Petrov–Galerkin formulation employing the MINI element with a non-confirming bubble function for an incompressible media governed by the Stokes equations, which is equivalent to the stabilized finite element by P ¹-P ¹ approximation, is proposed. The new formulation possesses better stability properties than the conventional Bubnov–Galerkin formulation employing the MINI element. In this aspect, the stabilizing effect of this formulation is evaluated by a stabilizing parameter determined by both shapes of the trial and the weighting bubble functions.     

A Bubble Element for the Compressible Euler Equations

In this paper, we present a new Galerkin finite element method with bubble function for the compressible Euler equations. This method is derived from the scaled bubble element for the advection-diffusion problems developed by Simo and his colleagues, which is based on the equivalence between the Galerkin method employing piecewise linear interpolation with bubble functions and the Streamline-Upwind/Petrov Galerkin (SUPG) finite element method using P₁ approximation in the steady advection-diffusion problem. Simo and this author have applied this approach to transient advection-diffusion problems by using a special scaled bubble function called P-scaled bubble, which is designed to work in the transient advection-diffusion problems for any Peclet number from 0 to ∞. The method presented in this paper is an application of this p-scaled bubble element to a pure hyperbolic system.     

Large‐eddy simulation with complex 2‐D geometries using a parallel finite‐element/spectral algorithm

A parallel stabilized finite‐element/spectral formulation is presented for incompressible large‐eddy simulation with complex 2‐D geometries. A unique discretization scheme is developed consisting of a streamline‐upwind Petrov–Galerkin/Pressure‐Stabilized Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG/PSPG) finite‐element discretization in the 2‐D plane with a collocated spectral/pseudospectral discretization in the out‐of‐plane direction. This formulation provides an efficient approach for solving 3‐D flows over arbitrary 2‐D geometries. Utilizing this discretization and through explicit temporal treatment of the non‐linear terms, the system of equations for each Fourier mode is decoupled within each time step. A novel parallelization approach is then taken, where the computational work is partitioned in Fourier space. A validation of the algorithm is presented via comparison of results for flow past a circular cylinder with published values for Re=195, 300, and 3900. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The anti‐dissipative,non‐monotone behavior of Petrov–Galerkin upwinding

The Petrov–Galerkin method has been developed with the primary goal of damping spurious oscillations near discontinuities in advection dominated flows. For time‐dependent problems, the typical Petrov–Galerkin method is based on the minimization of the dispersion error and the simultaneous selective addition of dissipation. This optimal design helps to dampen the oscillations prevalent near discontinuities in standard Bubnov–Galerkin solutions. However, it is demonstrated that when the Courant number is less than 1, the Petrov–Galerkin method actually amplifies undershoots at the base of discontinuities. This is shown in an heuristic manner, and is demonstrated with numerical experiments with the scalar advection and Richards' equations. A discussion of monotonicity preservation as a design criterion, as opposed to phase or amplitude error minimization, is also presented. The Petrov–Galerkin method is further linked to the high‐resolution, total variation diminishing (TVD) finite volume method in order to obtain a monotonicity preserving Petrov–Galerkin method.     

On the stability of bubble functions and a stabilized mixed finite element formulation for the Stokes problem

In this paper we investigate the relationship between stabilized and enriched finite element formulations for the Stokes problem. We also present a new stabilized mixed formulation for which the stability parameter is derived purely by the method of weighted residuals. This new formulation allows equal‐order interpolation for the velocity and pressure fields. Finally, we show by counterexample that a direct equivalence between subgrid‐based stabilized finite element methods and Galerkin methods enriched by bubble functions cannot be constructed for quadrilateral and hexahedral elements using standard bubble functions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An efficient numerical solution for linear stability of circular jet: A combination of Petrov–Galerkin spectral method and exponential coordinate transformation based on Fornberg's treatment

This paper presents the linear stability analysis of a round jet in a radially unbounded domain using a spectral Petrov–Galerkin scheme coped with exponential coordinate transformation based on Fornberg's treatment. A Fourier–Chebyshev Petrov–Galerkin spectral method is described for the computation of the linear stability equations based on half a Gauss–Lobatto mesh. Complex basis functions presented here are exponentially mapped as Chebyshev functions, which satisfy the pole condition exactly at the origin, and can be used to expand vector functions efficiently by using the solenoidal condition. The mathematical formulation is presented in detail focusing on the solenoidal vector field used for the approximation of the flow. The scheme provides spectral accuracy in the present cases and the numerical results are in agreement with former works. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A multi‐dimensional monotonic finite element model for solving the convection–diffusion‐reaction equation

In this paper, we develop a finite element model for solving the convection–diffusion‐reaction equation in two dimensions with an aim to enhance the scheme stability without compromising consistency. Reducing errors of false diffusion type is achieved by adding an artificial term to get rid of three leading mixed derivative terms in the Petrov–Galerkin formulation. The finite element model of the Petrov–Galerkin type, while maintaining convective stability, is modified to suppress oscillations about the sharp layer by employing the M‐matrix theory. To validate this monotonic model, we consider test problems which are amenable to analytic solutions. Good agreement is obtained with both one‐ and two‐dimensional problems, thus validating the method. Other problems suitable for benchmarking the proposed model are also investigated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SUPG finite element method based on penalty function for lid-driven cavity flow up to $$Re = 27500$$

A streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin(SUPG)finite element method based on a penalty function is proposed for steady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations.The SUPG stabilization technique is employed for the formulation of momentum equations. Using the penalty function method, the continuity equation is simplified and the pressure of the momentum equations is eliminated. The lid-driven cavity flow problem is solved using the present model. It is shown that steady flow simulations are computable up to Re = 27500, and the present results agree well with previous solutions. Tabulated results for the properties of the primary vortex are also provided for benchmarking purposes.     

Finite element methods for one-dimensional combustion problems

Three adaptive finite element methods based on equidistribution, elliptic grid generation and hybrid techniques are used to study a system of reaction–diffusion equations. It is shown that these techniques must employ sub-equidistributing meshes in order to avoid ill-conditioned matrices and ensure the convergence of the Newton method. It is also shown that elliptic grid generation methods require much longer computer times than hybrid and static rezoning procedures. The paper also includes characteristic, Petrov–Galerkin and flux-corrected transport algorithms which are used to study a linear convection–reaction–diffusion equation that has an analytical solution. The flux-corrected transport technique yields monotonic solutions in good agreement with the analytical solution, whereas the Petrov–Galerkin method with quadratic upstream-weighted functions results in very diffused temperature profiles. The characteristic finite element method which uses a Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation overpredicts the flame front location and exhibits overshoots and undershoots near the temperature discontinuity. These overshoots and undershoots are due to the interpolation of the results of the Lagrangian operator onto the fixed Eulerian grid used to solve the reaction–diffusion operator, and indicate that characteristic finite element methods are not able to eliminate numerical diffusion entirely.     

An Enthalpy Control Volume Method for Transient Mass and Heat Transport with Solidification

A single domain enthalpy control volume method is developed for solving the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer with solidification problem arising from the continuous casting process. The governing equations consist of the continuity equation, the Navier–Stokes equations and the convection–diffusion equation. The formulation of the method is cast into the framework of the Petrov–Galerkin finite element method with a step test function across the control volume and locally constant approximation to the fluxes of heat and fluid. The use of the step test function and the constant flux approximation leads to the derivation of the exponential interpolating functions for the velocity and temperature fields within each control volume. The exponential fitting makes it possible to capture the sharp boundary layers around the solidification front. The method is then applied to investigate the effect of various casting parameters on the solidification profile and flow pattern of fluids in the casting process.     

Anisotropic adaptive stabilized finite element solver for RANS models

Aerodynamic characteristics of various geometries are predicted using a finite element formulation coupled with several numerical techniques to ensure stability and accuracy of the method. First, an edge‐based error estimator and anisotropic mesh adaptation are used to detect automatically all flow features under the constraint of a fixed number of elements, thus controlling the computational cost. A variational multiscale‐stabilized finite element method is used to solve the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations. Finally, the Spalart‐Allmaras turbulence model is solved using the streamline upwind Petrov‐Galerkin method. This paper is meant to show that the combination of anisotropic unsteady mesh adaptation with stabilized finite element methods provides an adequate framework for solving turbulent flows at high Reynolds numbers. The proposed method was validated on several test cases by confrontation with literature of both numerical and experimental results, in terms of accuracy on the prediction of the drag and lift coefficients as well as their evolution in time for unsteady cases.     

Local boundary integral equations for orthotropic shallow shells

A meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) formulation is presented for bending problems of shear deformable shallow shells with orthotropic material properties. Shear deformation of shells described by the Reissner theory is considered. Analyses of shells under static and dynamic loads are given here. For transient elastodynamic case the Laplace-transform is used to eliminate the time dependence of the field variables. A weak formulation with a unit test function transforms the set of governing equations into local integral equations on local subdomains in the plane domain of the shell. Nodal points are randomly spread in that domain and each node is surrounded by a circular subdomain to which local integral equations are applied. The meshless approximation based on the moving least-squares (MLS) method is employed for the implementation. Unknown Laplace-transformed quantities are computed from the local boundary integral equations. The time-dependent values are obtained by the Stehfest’s inversion technique.     

Development and validation of a SUPG finite element scheme for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations using a modified inviscid flux discretization

This paper considers the streamline‐upwind Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) method applied to the unsteady compressible Navier–Stokes equations in conservation‐variable form. The spatial discretization, including a modified approach for interpolating the inviscid flux terms in the SUPG finite element formulation, and the second‐order accurate time discretization are presented. The numerical method is discussed in detail. The performance of the algorithm is then investigated by considering inviscid flow past a circular cylinder. Validation of the finite element formulation via comparisons with experimental data for high‐Mach number perfect gas laminar flows is presented, with a specific focus on comparisons with experimentally measured skin friction and convective heat transfer on a 15° compression ramp. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An optimizing reduced PLSMFE formulation for non‐stationary conduction–convection problems

In this paper, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is combined with the Petrov–Galerkin least squares mixed finite element (PLSMFE) method to derive an optimizing reduced PLSMFE formulation for the non‐stationary conduction–convection problems. Error estimates between the optimizing reduced PLSMFE solutions based on POD and classical PLSMFE solutions are presented. The optimizing reduced PLSMFE formulation can circumvent the constraint of Babu?ka–Brezzi condition so that the combination of finite element subspaces can be chosen freely and allow optimal‐order error estimates to be obtained. Numerical simulation examples have shown that the errors between the optimizing reduced PLSMFE solutions and the classical PLSMFE solutions are consistent with theoretical results. Moreover, they have also shown the feasibility and efficiency of the POD method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of Galerkin and control volume finite element for advection–diffusion problems

The control volume finite element method (CVFEM) was developed to combine the local numerical conservation property of control volume methods with the unstructured grid and generality of finite element methods (FEMs). Most implementations of CVFEM include mass‐lumping and upwinding techniques typical of control volume schemes. In this work we compare, via numerical error analysis, CVFEM and FEM utilizing consistent and lumped mass implementations, and stabilized Petrov–Galerkin streamline upwind schemes in the context of advection–diffusion processes. For this type of problem, we find no apparent advantage to the local numerical conservation aspect of CVFEM as compared to FEM. The stabilized schemes improve accuracy and degree of positivity on coarse grids, and also reduce iteration counts for advection‐dominated problems. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Time‐accurate stabilized finite‐element model for weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive water waves

Introduction of a time‐accurate stabilized finite‐element approximation for the numerical investigation of weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive water waves is presented in this paper. To make the time approximation match the order of accuracy of the spatial representation of the linear triangular elements by the Galerkin finite‐element method, the fourth‐order time integration of implicit multistage Padé method is used for the development of the numerical scheme. The streamline‐upwind Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) method with crosswind diffusion is employed to stabilize the scheme and suppress the spurious oscillations, usually common in the numerical computation of convection‐dominated flow problems. The performance of numerical stabilization and accuracy is addressed. Treatments of various boundary conditions, including the open boundary conditions, the perfect reflecting boundary conditions along boundaries with irregular geometry, are also described. Numerical results showing the comparisons with analytical solutions, experimental measurements, and other published numerical results are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element simulation of turbulent Couette–Poiseuille flows using a low Reynolds number k–ϵ model

Developing Couette–Poiseuille flows at Re=5000 are studied using a low Reynolds number k–ϵ two‐equation model and a finite element formulation. Mesh‐independent solutions are obtained using a standard Galerkin formulation and a Galerkin/least‐squares stabilized method. The predictions for the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy are compared with available experimental results and to the DNS data. Second moment closure's solutions are also compared with those of the k–ϵ model. The deficiency of eddy viscosity models to predict dissymmetric low Reynolds number channel flows has been demonstrated. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A mass-matrix formulation of unsteady fluctuation splitting schemes consistent with Roe’s parameter vector

A mass-matrix formulation of the fluctuation splitting schemes for solving compressible, unsteady flows is proposed. This formulation is consistent with the conservative linearisation based on parameter vector and allows to extend to unsteady flows the ‘invariance under similarity transformations’ property that had been shown to hold for the steady version of the schemes. Second-order time accuracy is achieved using a Petrov–Galerkin finite element interpretation of the fluctuation splitting schemes. The approach may however be readily applicable to all other time-accurate fluctuation splitting formulations that have been so far proposed in the literature. Applications of the proposed methodology to two- and three-dimensional, inviscid and viscous compressible flows are reported and discussed in the paper.     

Upwind basis finite elements for convection-dominated problems

Finite elements using higher-order basis functions in the spirit of the QUICK method for convection-dominated fluid flow and transport problems are introduced and demonstrated. Instead of introducing new internal degrees of freedom, completeness is achieved by including functions based on nodal values exterior and upwind to the element domain. Applied with linear test functions to the weak statements for convection-dominated problems, a family of Petrov–Galerkin finite elements is developed. Quadratic and cubic versions are demonstrated for the one-dimensional convection–diffusion test problem. Elements of up to seventh degree are used for local solution refinement. The behaviour of these elements for one-dimensional linear and non-linear advection is investigated. A two-dimensional quadratic upwind element is demonstrated in a streamfunction–vorticity formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations for a driven cavity flow test problem. With some minor reservations, these elements are recommended for further study and application.     

A stabilized mixed formulation for unsteady Brinkman equation based on the method of horizontal lines

In this paper, we present a stabilized mixed formulation for unsteady Brinkman equation. The formulation is systematically derived based on the variational multiscale formalism and the method of horizontal lines. The derivation does not need the assumption that the fine‐scale variables do not depend on the time, which is the case with the conventional derivation of multiscale stabilized formulations for transient mixed problems. An expression for the stabilization parameter is obtained in terms of a bubble function, and appropriate bubble functions for various finite elements are also presented. Under the proposed formulation, equal‐order interpolation for the velocity and pressure (which is computationally the most convenient) is stable. Representative numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed formulation. Spatial and temporal convergence studies are also performed, and the proposed formulation performed well. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.