Hermitian space-time finite elements for estuarine mass transport

Space-time finite element solutions of the convection–dispersion equation using higher-order nodal continuity and Hermitian polynomial shape functions are described. Five separate elements ranging from a complete linear element with C^0,0 nodal continuity to a complete first-order Hermitian element with C^1,1 nodal continuity are subjected to detailed analysis. Wave deformation analyses identify the source of leading or trailing edge oscillations, trailing edge oscillations being the major source of difficulty. These observations are confirmed by numerical experiments which further demonstrate the potential of higher-order nodal continuity. The performance of the complete first-order Hermitian element is quite satisfactory and measurably superior to the linear element.