A high‐order Petrov–Galerkin finite element method for the classical Boussinesq wave model

A high‐order Petrov–Galerkin finite element scheme is presented to solve the one‐dimensional depth‐integrated classical Boussinesq equations for weakly non‐linear and weakly dispersive waves. Finite elements are used both in the space and the time domains. The shape functions are bilinear in space–time, whereas the weighting functions are linear in space and quadratic in time, with C⁰‐continuity. Dispersion correction and a highly selective dissipation mechanism are introduced through additional streamline upwind terms in the weighting functions. An implicit, conditionally stable, one‐step predictor–corrector time integration scheme results. The accuracy and stability of the non‐linear discrete equations are investigated by means of a local Taylor series expansion. A linear spectral analysis is used for the full characterization of the predictor–corrector inner iterations. Based on the order of the analytical terms of the Boussinesq model and on the order of the numerical discretization, it is concluded that the scheme is fourth‐order accurate in terms of phase velocity. The dissipation term is third order only affecting the shortest wavelengths. A numerical convergence analysis showed a second‐order convergence rate in terms of both element size and time step. Four numerical experiments are addressed and their results are compared with analytical solutions or experimental data available in the literature: the propagation of a solitary wave, the oscillation of a flat bottom closed basin, the oscillation of a non‐flat bottom closed basin, and the propagation of a periodic wave over a submerged bar. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stability/dispersion analysis of the discontinuous Galerkin linearized shallow‐water system

The frequency or dispersion relation for the discontinuous Galerkin mixed formulation of the 1‐D linearized shallow‐water equations is analysed, using several basic DG mixed schemes. The dispersion properties are compared analytically and graphically with those of the mixed continuous Galerkin formulation for piecewise‐linear bases on co‐located grids. Unlike the Galerkin case, the DG scheme does not exhibit spurious stationary pressure modes. However, spurious propagating modes have been identified in all the present discontinuous Galerkin formulations. Numerical solutions of a test problem to simulate fast gravity modes illustrate the theoretical results and confirm the presence of spurious propagating modes in the DG schemes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A particle finite element method applied to long wave run‐up

This paper presents a Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element formulation for solving fluid dynamics problems with moving boundaries and employs the method to long wave run‐up. The method is based on a set of Lagrangian particles which serve as moving nodes for the finite element mesh. Nodes at the moving shoreline are identified by the alpha shape concept which utilizes the distance from neighbouring nodes in different directions. An efficient triangulation technique is then used for the mesh generation at each time step. In order to validate the numerical method the code has been compared with analytical solutions and a preexisting finite difference model. The main focus of our investigation is to assess the numerical method through simulations of three‐dimensional dam break and long wave run‐up on curved beaches. Particularly the method is put to test for cases where different shoreline segments connect and produce a computational domain surrounding dry regions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dispersion analysis of the least‐squares finite‐element shallow‐water system

The frequency or dispersion relation for the least‐squares mixed formulation of the shallow‐water equations is analysed. We consider the use of different approximation spaces corresponding to co‐located and staggered meshes, respectively. The study includes the effect of Coriolis, and the dispersion properties are compared analytically and graphically with those of the mixed Galerkin formulation. Numerical solutions of a test problem to simulate slow Rossby modes illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A stabilized finite element method for the Saint‐Venant equations with application to irrigation

When the two‐dimensional shallow water equations are applied to solve practical irrigation problems, additional numerical difficulties arise. Large friction coefficients, dry bed conditions and singular infiltration terms engender new challenges which are addressed here to build a finite element method that is robust enough for this type of application. The proposed method is a stabilized formulation based on the symmetric quasi‐linear form and the set of entropy variables. The robustness of the method is increased with a discontinuity capturing operator. A predictor multi‐corrector algorithm is employed to solve the generalized trapezoidal rule. One of the novel features of the present technique is that an ‘explicit’ method has been developed with characteristics of implicit methods, so that the solution can be advanced at a convective CFL number of 1, regardless of the source terms. This leads to an economic procedure. Finally, an entropy production (in) equality is developed, which ensures the correct physical behaviour of the model and helps to determine the correct sign of the infiltration term. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Edge‐based finite element method for shallow water equations

This paper describes an edge‐based implementation of the generalized residual minimum (GMRES) solver for the fully coupled solution of non‐linear systems arising from finite element discretization of shallow water equations (SWEs). The gain in terms of memory, floating point operations and indirect addressing is quantified for semi‐discrete and space–time analyses. Stabilized formulations, including Petrov–Galerkin models and discontinuity‐capturing operators, are also discussed for both types of discretization. Results illustrating the quality of the stabilized solutions and the advantages of using the edge‐based approach are presented at the end of the paper. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two‐dimensional dispersion analyses of finite element approximations to the shallow water equations

Dispersion analysis of discrete solutions to the shallow water equations has been extensively used as a tool to define the relationships between frequency and wave number and to determine if an algorithm leads to a dual wave number response and near 2Δx oscillations. In this paper, we explore the application of two‐dimensional dispersion analysis to cluster based and Galerkin finite element‐based discretizations of the primitive shallow water equations and the generalized wave continuity equation (GWCE) reformulation of the harmonic shallow water equations on a number of grid configurations. It is demonstrated that for various algorithms and grid configurations, contradictions exist between the results of one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional dispersion analysis as a result of subtle changes in the mass matrix. Numerical experiments indicate that the two‐dimensional dispersion analysis correctly predicts the existence and onset of near 2Δx noise in the solution. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A parametric finite‐difference method for shallow sea waves

This paper presents a parametric finite‐difference scheme concerning the numerical solution of the one‐dimensional Boussinesq‐type set of equations, as they were introduced by Peregrine (J. Fluid Mech. 1967; 27 (4)) in the case of waves relatively long with small amplitudes in water of varying depth. The proposed method, which can be considered as a generalization of the Crank‐Nickolson method, aims to investigate alternative approaches in order to improve the accuracy of analogous methods known from bibliography. The resulting linear finite‐difference scheme, which is analysed for stability using the Fourier method, has been applied successfully to a problem used by Beji and Battjes (Coastal Eng. 1994; 23 : 1–16), giving numerical results which are in good agreement with the corresponding results given by MIKE 21 BW (User Guide. In: MIKE 21, Wave Modelling, User Guide. 2002; 271–392) developed by DHI Software. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A semi‐implicit finite element model for non‐hydrostatic (dispersive) surface waves

The objective of this research is to develop a model that will adequately simulate the dynamics of tsunami propagating across the continental shelf. In practical terms, a large spatial domain with high resolution is required so that source areas and runup areas are adequately resolved. Hence efficiency of the model is a major issue. The three‐dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations are depth‐averaged to yield a set of equations that are similar to the shallow water equations but retain the non‐hydrostatic pressure terms. This approach differs from the development of the Boussinesq equations where pressure is eliminated in favour of high‐order velocity and geometry terms. The model gives good results for several test problems including an oscillating basin, propagation of a solitary wave, and a wave transformation over a bar. The hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic versions of the model are compared for a large‐scale problem where a fault rupture generates a tsunami on the New Zealand continental shelf. The model efficiency is also very good and execution times are about a factor of 1.8 to 5 slower than the standard shallow water model, depending on problem size. Moreover, there are at least two methods to increase model accuracy when warranted: choosing a more optimal vertical interpolation function, and dividing the problem into layers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A finite element method for two‐dimensional water‐wave problems

In this paper, the authors treat the free‐surface waves generated by a moving disturbance with a constant speed in water of finite and constant depth. Specifically, the case when the disturbance is moving with the critical speed is investigated. The water is assumed inviscid and its motion irrotational. The surface tension is neglected. It is well‐known that the linear theory breaks down when a disturbance is moving with the critical speed. As a remedy to overcome the invalid linear theory, approximate non‐linear theories have been applied with success in the past, i.e. Boussinesq and Korteweg de Vries equations, for example. In the present paper, the authors describe a finite element method applied to the non‐linear water‐wave problems in two dimensions. The present numerical method solves the exact non‐linear formulation in the scope of potential theory without any additional assumptions on the magnitude of the disturbances. The present numerical results are compared with those obtained by other approximate non‐linear theories. Also presented are the discussions on the validity of the existing approximate theories applied to two types of the disturbances, i.e. the bottom bump and the pressure patch on the free‐surface at the critical speed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Practical evaluation of five partly discontinuous finite element pairs for the non‐conservative shallow water equations

This paper provides a comparison of five finite element pairs for the shallow water equations. We consider continuous, discontinuous and partially discontinuous finite element formulations that are supposed to provide second‐order spatial accuracy. All of them rely on the same weak formulation, using Riemann solver to evaluate interface integrals. We define several asymptotic limit cases of the shallow water equations within their space of parameters. The idea is to develop a comparison of these numerical schemes in several relevant regimes of the subcritical shallow water flow. Finally, a new pair, using non‐conforming linear elements for both velocities and elevation (P?P), is presented, giving optimal rates of convergence in all test cases. P?P₁ and P?P₁ mixed formulations lack convergence for inviscid flows. P?P₂ pair is more expensive but provides accurate results for all benchmarks. P?P provides an efficient option, except for inviscid Coriolis‐dominated flows, where a small lack of convergence is observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A high‐order accurate discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for laminar low Mach number flows

In this paper we present a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of laminar flow simulations at low Mach numbers using an implicit scheme. The algorithm is based on the flux preconditioning approach, which modifies only the dissipative terms of the numerical flux. This formulation is quite simple to implement in existing implicit DG codes, it overcomes the time‐stepping restrictions of explicit multistage algorithms, is consistent in time and thus applicable to unsteady flows. The performance of the method is demonstrated by solving the flow around a NACA0012 airfoil and on a flat plate, at different low Mach numbers using various degrees of polynomial approximations. Computations with and without flux preconditioning are performed on different grid topologies to analyze the influence of the spatial discretization on the accuracy of the DG solutions at low Mach numbers. The time accurate solution of unsteady flow is also demonstrated by solving the vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder at the Reynolds number of 100. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A locally conservative,discontinuous least‐squares finite element method for the Stokes equations

Conventional least‐squares finite element methods (LSFEMs) for incompressible flows conserve mass only approximately. For some problems, mass loss levels are large and result in unphysical solutions. In this paper we formulate a new, locally conservative LSFEM for the Stokes equations wherein a discrete velocity field is computed that is point‐wise divergence free on each element. The central idea is to allow discontinuous velocity approximations and then to define the velocity field on each element using a local stream‐function. The effect of the new LSFEM approach on improved local and global mass conservation is compared with a conventional LSFEM for the Stokes equations employing standard C⁰ Lagrangian elements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A finite element method for the one‐dimensional extended Boussinesq equations

A new finite element method for Nwogu's (O. Nwogu, ASCE J. Waterw., Port, Coast., Ocean Eng., 119 , 618–638 (1993)) one‐dimensional extended Boussinesq equations is presented using a linear element spatial discretisation method coupled with a sophisticated adaptive time integration package. The accuracy of the scheme is compared to that of an existing finite difference method (G. Wei and J.T. Kirby, ASCE J. Waterw., Port, Coast., Ocean Eng., 121 , 251–261 (1995)) by considering the truncation error at a node. Numerical tests with solitary and regular waves propagating in variable depth environments are compared with theoretical and experimental data. The accuracy of the results confirms the analytical prediction and shows that the new approach competes well with existing finite difference methods. The finite element formulation is shown to enable the method to be extended to irregular meshes in one dimension and has the potential to allow for extension to the important practical case of unstructured triangular meshes in two dimensions. This latter case is discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A finite element method for the two‐dimensional extended Boussinesq equations

A new numerical method for Nwogu's (ASCE Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering 1993; 119 :618)two‐dimensional extended Boussinesq equations is presented using a linear triangular finite element spatial discretization coupled with a sophisticated adaptive time integration package. The authors have previously presented a finite element method for the one‐dimensional form of these equations (M. Walkley and M. Berzins (International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids 1999; 29 (2):143)) and this paper describes the extension of these ideas to the two‐dimensional equations and the application of the method to complex geometries using unstructured triangular grids. Computational results are presented for two standard test problems and a realistic harbour model. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of mass lumping on gravity and Rossby waves in 2D finite‐element shallow‐water models

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of mass lumping on the dispersion properties of four finite‐element velocity/surface‐elevation pairs that are used to approximate the linear shallow‐water equations. For each pair, the dispersion relation, obtained using the mass lumping technique, is computed and analysed for both gravity and Rossby waves. The dispersion relations are compared with those obtained for the consistent schemes (without lumping) and the continuous case. The P₀?P₁, RT₀ and P?P₁ pairs are shown to preserve good dispersive properties when the mass matrix is lumped. Test problems to simulate fast gravity and slow Rossby waves are in good agreement with the analytical results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvements in mass conservation using alternative boundary implementations for a quasi‐bubble finite element shallow water model

Finite element approaches generally do not guarantee exact satisfaction of conservation laws especially when Dirichlet‐type boundary conditions are imposed. This article discusses improvement of the global mass conservation property of quasi‐bubble finite element solutions for the shallow water equations, focusing on implementations of the surface‐elevation boundary conditions. We propose two alternative implementations, which are shown by numerical verification to be effective in improving the smoothness of solutions near the boundary and in reducing the mass conservation error. The improvement of the mass conservation property contributes to augmenting the reliability and robustness of long‐term time integrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A well‐balanced explicit/semi‐implicit finite element scheme for shallow water equations in drying–wetting areas

Numerical solutions of the shallow water equations can be used to reproduce flow hydrodynamics occurring in a wide range of regions. In hydraulic engineering, the objectives include the prediction of dam break wave propagation, fluvial floods and other catastrophic flooding phenomena, the modeling of estuarine and coastal circulations, and the design and optimization of hydraulic structures. In this paper, a well‐balanced explicit and semi‐implicit finite element scheme for shallow water equations over complex domains involving wetting and drying is proposed. The governing equations are discretized by a fractional finite element method using a two‐step Taylor–Galerkin scheme. First, the intermediate increment of conserved variable is obtained explicitly neglecting the pressure gradient term. This is then corrected for the effects of pressure once the pressure increment has been obtained from the Poisson equation. In order to maintain the ‘well‐balanced’ property, the pressure gradient term and bed slope terms are incorporated into the Poisson equation. Moreover, a local bed slope modification technique is employed in drying–wetting interface treatments. The proposed model is well validated against several theoretical benchmark tests. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A two‐dimensional numerical scheme of dry/wet fronts for the Saint‐Venant system of shallow water equations

We propose a new two‐dimensional numerical scheme to solve the Saint‐Venant system of shallow water equations in the presence of partially flooded cells. Our method is well balanced, positivity preserving, and handles dry states. The latter is ensured by using the draining time step technique in the time integration process, which guarantees non‐negative water depths. Unlike previous schemes, our technique does not generate high velocities at the dry/wet boundaries, which are responsible for small time step sizes and slow simulation runs. We prove that the new scheme preserves ‘lake at rest’ steady states and guarantees the positivity of the computed fluid depth in the partially flooded cells. We test the new scheme, along with another recent scheme from the literature, against the analytical solution for a parabolic basin and show the improved simulation performance of the new scheme for two real‐world scenarios. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.