Stream function finite element solution of Stokes flow with penalties

A finite element method for solution of the stream function formulation of Stokes flow is developed. The method involves complete cubic non-conforming (C⁰) triangular Hermite elements. This element fails the patch test. To correct the element and produce a convergent method we employ a penalty method to weakly enforce the desired continuity constraint on the normal derivative across the inter-element boundaries. Successful use of the method is demonstrated to require reduced integration of the inter-element penalty with a 1-point Gauss rule. Error estimates relate the optimal choice of penalty parameter to mesh size and are corroborated by numerical convergence studies. The need for reduced integration is interpreted using rank relations for an associated hybrid method.