Optimal adaptive grids of least-squares finite element methods in two spatial dimensions

This article concerns a procedure to generate optimal adaptive grids for convection dominated problems in two spatial dimensions based on least-squares finite element approximations. The procedure extends a one dimensional equidistribution principle which minimizes the interpolation error in some norms. The idea is to select two directions which can reflect the physics of the problems and then apply the one dimensional equidistribution principle to the chosen directions. Model problems considered are the two dimensional convection-diffusion problems where boundary and interior layers occur. Numerical results of model problems illustrating the efficiency of the proposed scheme are presented. In addition, to avoid skewed mesh in the optimal grids generated by the algorithm, an unstructured local mesh smoothing will be considered in the least-squares approximations. Comparisons with the Gakerkin finite element method will also be provided.     

On Two Iterative Least-Squares Finite Element Schemes for the Incompressible Navier–Stokes Problem

This paper is mainly devoted to a comparative study of two iterative least-squares finite element schemes for solving the stationary incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with velocity boundary condition. Introducing vorticity as an additional unknown variable, we recast the Navier–Stokes problem into a first-order quasilinear velocity–vorticity–pressure system. Two Picard-type iterative least-squares finite element schemes are proposed to approximate the solution to the nonlinear first-order problem. In each iteration, we adopt the usual L ² least-squares scheme or a weighted L ² least-squares scheme to solve the corresponding Oseen problem and provide error estimates. We concentrate on two-dimensional model problems using continuous piecewise polynomial finite elements on uniform meshes for both iterative least-squares schemes. Numerical evidences show that the iterative L ² least-squares scheme is somewhat suitable for low Reynolds number flow problems, whereas for flows with relatively higher Reynolds numbers the iterative weighted L ² least-squares scheme seems to be better than the iterative L ² least-squares scheme. Numerical simulations of the two-dimensional driven cavity flow are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the iterative least-squares finite element approach.     

Multidimensional transonic shocks and free boundary problems for nonlinear equations of mixed type

We establish the existence and stability of multidimensional transonic shocks for the Euler equations for steady potential compressible fluids. The Euler equations, consisting of the conservation law of mass and the Bernoulli law for the velocity, can be written as a second-order, nonlinear equation of mixed elliptic-hyperbolic type for the velocity potential. The transonic shock problem can be formulated into the following free boundary problem: The free boundary is the location of the transonic shock which divides the two regions of smooth flow, and the equation is hyperbolic in the upstream region where the smooth perturbed flow is supersonic. We develop a nonlinear approach to deal with such a free boundary problem in order to solve the transonic shock problem. Our results indicate that there exists a unique solution of the free boundary problem such that the equation is always elliptic in the downstream region and the free boundary is smooth, provided that the hyperbolic phase is close to a uniform flow. We prove that the free boundary is stable under the steady perturbation of the hyperbolic phase. We also establish the existence and stability of multidimensional transonic shocks near spherical or circular transonic shocks.

     

Error analysis of a weighted least-squares finite element method for 2-D incompressible flows in velocity–stress–pressure formulation

In this paper we are concerned with a weighted least-squares finite element method for approximating the solution of boundary value problems for 2-D viscous incompressible flows. We consider the generalized Stokes equations with velocity boundary conditions. Introducing the auxiliary variables (stresses) of the velocity gradients and combining the divergence free condition with some compatibility conditions, we can recast the original second-order problem as a Petrovski-type first-order elliptic system (called velocity–stress–pressure formulation) in six equations and six unknowns together with Riemann–Hilbert-type boundary conditions. A weighted least-squares finite element method is proposed for solving this extended first-order problem. The finite element approximations are defined to be the minimizers of a weighted least-squares functional over the finite element subspaces of the H¹ product space. With many advantageous features, the analysis also shows that, under suitable assumptions, the method achieves optimal order of convergence both in the L²-norm and in the H¹-norm. © 1998 B. G. Teubner Stuttgart—John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical studies of optimal grid construction

This article is concerned with the construction of optimal grids for convection dominated problems. We consider the redistribution approach to generate the optimal grids. With an optimal grid, the number of unknowns can be dramatically reduced and this generally gives a computationally efficient model. Both Galerkin finite-element and least-squares finite-element approximations are considered with mesh redistribution. Numerical results of models problems illustrating the efficiency of the minimum mesh size approach are presented. Discussions of the capabilities and limitations of the schemes are also provided. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A convergent finite element formulation for transonic flow

Summary A finite element formulation for the full potential equation in the case of two-dimensional transonic flow is presented. The formulation is based on an optimal control approach developed by Glowinski and Pironneau. The solution of the full potential equation is obtained by a minimization problem. Using a new compactness result it is possible to prove convergence for the solutions of the minimization problem. The a priori assumption of existence and uniqueness of a weak solution of the full potential equation satisfying an entropy condition implies that the limit function must be the solution. It is possible to extend the convergence result to the case of three-dimensional transonic potential flow.The research reported here was supported by a grant from the Stiftung Volkswagenwerk, Federal Republic of Germany. It is a part of the doctoral thesis of the above author, Universität Stuttgart 1989     

A mesh adaptation for non-stationary problems

The subject-matter of this paper is the numerical simulation of the multidimensional inviscid compressible transonic gas flow. An adaptive mesh is constructed in the framework of the ADER higher order cell-centred finite volume scheme. An adaptation strategy based on the residual error indicator is followed by a recovery of the approximate solution on the new mesh. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Uniqueness of transonic shock solutions in a duct for steady potential flow

We study the uniqueness of solutions with a transonic shock in a duct in a class of transonic shock solutions, which are not necessarily small perturbations of the background solution, for steady potential flow. We prove that, for given uniform supersonic upstream flow in a straight duct, there exists a unique uniform pressure at the exit of the duct such that a transonic shock solution exists in the duct, which is unique modulo translation. For any other given uniform pressure at the exit, there exists no transonic shock solution in the duct. This is equivalent to establishing a uniqueness theorem for a free boundary problem of a partial differential equation of second order in a bounded or unbounded duct. The proof is based on the maximum/comparison principle and a judicious choice of special transonic shock solutions as a comparison solution.     

Stability of transonic shocks in supersonic flow past a wedge

In this paper we study the stability of transonic shocks in steady supersonic flow past a wedge. We take the potential flow equation as the mathematical model to describe the compressible flow. It is known that in generic case such a problem admits two possible location of shock, connecting the flow ahead it and behind it. They can be distinguished as supersonic-supersonic shock and supersonic-subsonic shock (or transonic shock). Both these possible shocks satisfy the Rankine-Hugoniot conditions and entropy condition. In this paper we prove that the transonic shock is also stable under perturbation of the coming flow provided the pressure at infinity is well controlled.     

Analysis of a FEM/BEM coupling method for transonic flow computations

A sensitive issue in numerical calculations for exterior flow problems, e.g.around airfoils, is the treatment of the far field boundary conditions on a computational domain which is bounded. In this paper we investigate this problem for two-dimensional transonic potential flows with subsonic far field flow around airfoil profiles. We take the artificial far field boundary in the subsonic flow region. In the far field we approximate the subsonic potential flow by the Prandtl-Glauert linearization. The latter leads via the Green representation theorem to a boundary integral equation on the far field boundary. This defines a nonlocal boundary condition for the interior ring domain. Our approach leads naturally to a coupled finite element/boundary element method for numerical calculations. It is compared with local boundary conditions. The error analysis for the method is given and we prove convergence provided the solution to the analytic transonic flow problem around the profile exists.

     

On least-squares approximations to compressible flow problems

A direct finite-element method for computer solutions of compressible potential flow problems is presented. An analysis of least-squares approximation is given, including optimal order estimates for piecewise polynomial approximation spaces. The model problem considered is that of potential flow past a cylinder. Numerical results for the model problem are given for a shock-free subsonic case.     

Transonic potential flows in a convergent-divergent approximate nozzle

In this paper we prove existence, uniqueness and regularity of certain perturbed (subsonic-supersonic) transonic potential flows in a two-dimensional Riemannian manifold with “convergent-divergent” metric, which is an approximate model of the de Laval nozzle in aerodynamics. The result indicates that transonic flows obtained by quasi-one-dimensional flow model in fluid dynamics are stable with respect to the perturbation of the velocity potential function at the entry (i.e., tangential velocity along the entry) of the nozzle. The proof is based upon linear theory of elliptic-hyperbolic mixed type equations in physical space and a nonlinear iteration method.     

Postprocessing and higher order convergence for the mixed finite element approximations of the Stokes eigenvalue problems

In this paper we propose a method for improving the convergence rate of the mixed finite element approximations for the Stokes eigenvalue problem. It is based on a postprocessing strategy that consists of solving an additional Stokes source problem on an augmented mixed finite element space which can be constructed either by refining the mesh or by using the same mesh but increasing the order of the mixed finite element space. Dedicated to Ivan Hlaváček on the occasion of his 75th birthday     

Incipient separation over wall irregularities in transonic flow

Incipient separation over wall irregularities in a steady two dimensional flow field of a perfect fluid which has transonic speed characteristics has been investigated considering viscous-inviscid interactions at high Reynolds number. The aim of this work is to investigate dependence of the critical hump height (when a well attached flow over rigid body surface turns into a separated one) on the Karman–Guderley parameter which characterizes of the local flow field. The analysis of the flow field starts with the so-called inspection analysis of the flow properties and then the interaction problem has been constructed using the asymptotic analysis of triple-deck structure of interaction region. Finally, a method based on a semi-direct solution of governing equations of the transonic interaction problem has been used to obtain the numerical solution of the problem.     

A least-squares finite element method based on the Helmholtz decomposition for hyperbolic balance laws

In this paper, a least-squares finite element method for scalar nonlinear hyperbolic balance laws is proposed and studied. The approach is based on a formulation that utilizes an appropriate Helmholtz decomposition of the flux vector and is related to the standard notion of a weak solution. This relationship, together with a corresponding connection to negative-norm least-squares, is described in detail. As a consequence, an important numerical conservation theorem is obtained, similar to the famous Lax–Wendroff theorem. The numerical conservation properties of the method in this paper do not fall precisely in the framework introduced by Lax and Wendroff, but they are similar in spirit as they guarantee that when L² convergence holds, the resulting approximations approach a weak solution to the hyperbolic problem. The least-squares functional is continuous and coercive in an H⁻¹-type norm, but not L²-coercive. Nevertheless, the L² convergence properties of the method are discussed. Convergence can be obtained either by an explicit regularization of the functional, that provides control of the L² norm, or by properly choosing the finite element spaces, providing implicit control of the L² norm. Numerical results for the inviscid Burgers equation with discontinuous source terms are shown, demonstrating the L² convergence of the obtained approximations to the physically admissible solution. The numerical method utilizes a least-squares functional, minimized on finite element spaces, and a Gauss–Newton technique with nested iteration. We believe that the linear systems encountered with this formulation are amenable to multigrid techniques and combining the method with adaptive mesh refinement would make this approach an efficient tool for solving balance laws (this is the focus of a future study).     

A Weighted Least-Squares Mixed Finite Element Formulation for Quasi-Incompressible Elastodynamics

The purpose of this work is the application of the least-squares finite element method to an elastodynamic, quasi-incompressible problem under small strain assumptions. Therefore a mixed finite element based on a weighted least-squares formulation is developed. The L₂-norm minimization of the time-discretized residuals of the given first-order system of partial differential equations leads to a functional depending on displacements and stresses. In the numerical example the proposed mixed element is compared to an alternative approach, which is based on a least-squares mixed finite element with improved momentum balance, see [1]. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A viscous approximation for a 2-D steady semiconductor or transonic gas dynamic flow: Existence theorem for potential flow

In this paper we solve a boundary value problem in a two-dimensional domain O for a system of equations of Fluid-Poisson type, that is, a viscous approximation to a potential equation for the velocity coupled with an ordinary differential equation along the streamlines for the density and a Poisson equation for the electric field. A particular case of this system is a viscous approximation of transonic flow models. The general case is a model for semiconductors. We show existence of a density ρ, velocity potential φ, and electric potential Φ in the bounded domain O that are C^1,α(O¯), C^2,α(O¯), and W^2,α(O¯) functions, respectively, such that ρ, φ, Φ, the speed |Δφ|, and the electric field E = ΔΦ are uniformly bounded in the viscous parameter. This is a necessary step in the existing programs in order to show existence of a solution for the transonic flow problem. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Analytic construction of the near field in a transonic flow near a thin axisymmetric body

A solution of the axisymmetric problem of unsteady transonic flow around thin bodies of revolution is proposed in the form of a double series expansion in powers of the distance to the axis of symmetry and its logarithm in a neighborhood of a given point at the symmetry axis. Chains of recurrence equations are obtained for the coefficients of the series. The convergence of the constructed series is proved by the method of special majorants. The theorem of existence and uniqueness of the solution to the boundary-value problem for a nonlinear partial differential equation with a singularity at the symmetry axis is obtained in the asymptotic model of unsteady transonic flow under consideration. Thereby the application of the proposed series is justified to the problems of unsteady transonic flow around thin axisymmetric bodies with a drift of the nonpenetration condition onto the symmetry axis. Hence, these series can be used in numerical-analytical methods and model computations.     

A characterisation of oscillations in the discrete two-dimensional convection-diffusion equation

It is well known that discrete solutions to the convection-diffusion equation contain nonphysical oscillations when boundary layers are present but not resolved by the discretisation. However, except for one-dimensional problems, there is little analysis of this phenomenon. In this paper, we present an analysis of the two-dimensional problem with constant flow aligned with the grid, based on a Fourier decomposition of the discrete solution. For Galerkin bilinear finite element discretisations, we derive closed form expressions for the Fourier coefficients, showing them to be weighted sums of certain functions which are oscillatory when the mesh Péclet number is large. The oscillatory functions are determined as solutions to a set of three-term recurrences, and the weights are determined by the boundary conditions. These expressions are then used to characterise the oscillations of the discrete solution in terms of the mesh Péclet number and boundary conditions of the problem.

     

Steady transonic shocks and free boundary problems in infinite cylinders for the Euler equations

We establish the existence and stability of multidimensional transonic shocks (hyperbolic‐elliptic shocks) for the Euler equations for steady compressible potential fluids in infinite cylinders. The Euler equations, consisting of the conservation law of mass and the Bernoulli law for velocity, can be written as a second order nonlinear equation of mixed elliptic‐hyperbolic type for the velocity potential. The transonic shock problem in an infinite cylinder can be formulated into the following free boundary problem: The free boundary is the location of the multidimensional transonic shock which divides two regions of C^1,α flow in the infinite cylinder, and the equation is hyperbolic in the upstream region where the C^1,α perturbed flow is supersonic. We develop a nonlinear approach to deal with such a free boundary problem in order to solve the transonic shock problem in unbounded domains. Our results indicate that there exists a solution of the free boundary problem such that the equation is always elliptic in the unbounded downstream region, the uniform velocity state at infinity in the downstream direction is uniquely determined by the given hyperbolic phase, and the free boundary is C^1,α, provided that the hyperbolic phase is close in C^1,α to a uniform flow. We further prove that, if the steady perturbation of the hyperbolic phase is C^2,α, the free boundary is C^2,α and stable under the steady perturbation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals Inc.