Symmetric Interior Penalty DG Methods for the Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations I: Method Formulation

In this article we consider the development of discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods for the numerical approximation of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. For the discretization of the leading order terms, we propose employing the generalization of the symmetric version of the interior penalty method, originally developed for the numerical approximation of linear self-adjoint second-order elliptic partial differential equations. In order to solve the resulting system of nonlinear equations, we exploit a (damped) Newton-GMRES algorithm. Numerical experiments demonstrating the practical performance of the proposed discontinuous Galerkin method with higher-order polynomials are presented.

Symmetric Interior Penalty DG Methods for the Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations II: Goal--Oriented A Posteriori Error Estimation

In this article we consider the application of the generalization of the symmetric version of the interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin finite element method to the numerical approximation of the compressible Navier--Stokes equations. In particular, we consider the a posteriori error analysis and adaptive mesh design for the underlying discretization method. Indeed, by employing a duality argument (weighted) Type I a posteriori bounds are derived for the estimation of the error measured in terms of general target functionals of the solution; these error estimates involve the product of the finite element residuals with local weighting terms involving the solution of a certain dual problem that must be numerically approximated. This general approach leads to the design of economical finite element meshes specifically tailored to the computation of the target functional of interest, as well as providing efficient error estimation. Numerical experiments demonstrating the performance of the proposed approach will be presented.

An Optimal Order Interior Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin Discretization of the Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations

In this article we propose a new symmetric version of the interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the numerical approximation of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Here, particular emphasis is devoted to the construction of an optimal numerical method for the evaluation of certain target functionals of practical interest, such as the lift and drag coefficients of a body immersed in a viscous fluid. With this in mind, the key ingredients in the construction of the method include: (i) An adjoint consistent imposition of the boundary conditions; (ii) An adjoint consistent reformulation of the underlying target functional of practical interest; (iii) Design of appropriate interior-penalty stabilization terms. Numerical experiments presented within this article clearly indicate the optimality of the proposed method when the error is measured in terms of both the L_2-norm, as well as for certain target functionals. Computational comparisons with other discontinuous Galerkin schemes proposed in the literature, including the second scheme of Bassi & Rebay, cf. [11], the standard SIPG method outlined in [25], and an NIPG variant of the new scheme will be undertaken.

Adaptive discontinuous Galerkin methods for eigenvalue problems arising in incompressible fluid flows

In this article we consider the a posteriori error estimation and adaptive mesh refinement of discontinuous Galerkin finite element approximations of the hydrodynamic stability problem associated with the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Particular attention is given to the reliable error estimation of the eigenvalue problem in channel and pipe geometries. Here, computable a posteriori error bounds are derived based on employing the generalization of the standard Dual-Weighted-Residual approach, originally developed for the estimation of target functionals of the solution, to eigenvalue/stability problems. The underlying analysis consists of constructing both a dual eigenvalue problem and a dual problem for the original base solution. In this way, errors stemming from both the numerical approximation of the original nonlinear flow problem, as well as the underlying linear eigenvalue problem are correctly controlled. Numerical experiments highlighting the practical performance of the proposed a posteriori error indicator on adaptively refined computational meshes are presented.

Error estimation and adaptive mesh refinement for aerodynamic flows

This lecture course covers the theory of so-called duality-based a posteriori error estimation of DG finite element methods. In particular, we formulate consistent and adjoint consistent DG methods for the numerical approximation of both the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations; in the latter case, the viscous terms are discretized based on employing an interior penalty method. By exploiting a duality argument, adjoint-based a posteriori error indicators will be established. Moreover, application of these computable bounds within automatic adaptive finite element algorithms will be developed. Here, a variety of isotropic and anisotropic adaptive strategies, as well as $hp$-mesh refinement will be investigated.

Adaptivity and a posteriori error control for bifurcation problems II: Incompressible fluid flow in open systems with Z_2 symmetry

In this article we consider the a posteriori error estimation and adaptive mesh refinement of discontinuous Galerkin finite element approximations of the bifurcation problem associated with the steady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Particular attention is given to the reliable error estimation of the critical Reynolds number at which a steady pitchfork or Hopf bifurcation occurs when the underlying physical system possesses reflectional or Z_2 symmetry. Here, computable a posteriori error bounds are derived based on employing the generalization of the standard Dual-Weighted-Residual approach, originally developed for the estimation of target functionals of the solution, to bifurcation problems. Numerical experiments highlighting the practical performance of the proposed a posteriori error indicator on adaptively refined computational meshes are presented.

Two-dimensional Stokes flow driven by elliptical paddles

A fast and accurate numerical technique is developed for solving the biharmonic equation in a multiply connected domain, in two dimensions. We apply the technique to the computation of slow viscous flow (Stokes flow) driven by multiple stirring rods. Previously, the technique has been restricted to stirring rods of circular cross section; we show here how the prior method fails for noncircular rods and how it may be adapted to accommodate general rod cross sections, provided only that for each there exists a conformal mapping to a circle. Corresponding simulations of the flow are described, and their stirring properties and energy requirements are discussed briefly. In particular the method allows an accurate calculation of the flow when flat paddles are used to stir a fluid chaotically.