An optimal order error estimate for an upwind discretization of the Navier—Stokes equations

We analyze a finite-element approximation of the stationary incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in primitive variables. This approximation is based on the nonconforming P₁/P₀ element pair of Crouzeix/Raviart and a special upwind discretization of the convective term. An optimal error estimate in a discrete H¹-norm for the velocity and in the L²-norm for the pressure is proved. Some numerical results are presented. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.