Analysis of optimal superconvergence of a local discontinuous Galerkin method for nonlinear second-order two-point boundary-value problems

In this paper, we investigate the convergence and superconvergence properties of a local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method for nonlinear second-order two-point boundary-value problems (BVPs) of the form u″=f(x,u,u′), x∈[a,b] subject to some suitable boundary conditions at the endpoints x=a and x=b. We prove optimal L2 error estimates for the solution and for the auxiliary variable that approximates the first-order derivative. The order of convergence is proved to be p+1, when piecewise polynomials of degree at most p are used. We further prove that the derivatives of the LDG solutions are superconvergent with order p+1toward the derivatives of Gauss-Radau projections of the exact solutions. Moreover, we prove that the LDG solutions are superconvergent with order p+2 toward Gauss-Radau projections of the exact solutions. Finally, we prove, for any polynomial degree p, the (2p+1)th superconvergence rate of the LDG approximations at the upwind or downwind points and for the domain average under quasi-uniform meshes. Our numerical experiments demonstrate optimal rates of convergence and superconvergence. Our proofs are valid for arbitrary regular meshes using piecewise polynomials of degree p≥1 and for the classical sets of boundary conditions. Several computational examples are provided to validate the theoretical results

Solution of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations by a new FE fractional step method.

In this work, a mathematical and numerical approach for the solution of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible fluid flow problems is investigated. A new flux conservative technique for the solution of the elliptic part of the equations is formulated. In the new model, the non linear convective terms of the momentum equations are approximated by means of characteristics and the spatial approximations, of equal order, are obtained by polynomials of degree two. The advancing in time is afforded by a fractional step method combined with a suitable stabilization technique so that the Inf-Sup condition is respected. In order to keep down the computational cost, the algebraic systems are solved by an iterative solver (Bi-CGSTAB) preconditioned by means of Schwarz additive scalable preconditioners. The properties of the new method are verified carrying out several numerical tests. At first, some elliptic, parabolic and convective-diffusive problems are solved and discussed, then the results of some time dependent and stationary 2D Navier-Stokes problems (in particular the well known benchmark problem of the natural convection in a square cavity) are discussed and compared to those found in the literature. Another, potentially very important application of the numerical tools developed, regards the solution of 1D Shallow-Water equations. In fact the use of the fractional steps scheme for advancing in time and the finite elements (of different polynomial degrees) for the spatial approximation, makes the above mentioned approach computationally profitable and convenient for real applications. The efficiency and accuracy of the numerical model have been checked by solving a theoretical test. Finally, a brief description of the software suitably developed and used in the tests conclude the thesis

Solution of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations by a new FE fractional step method.

In this work, a mathematical and numerical approach for the solution of the 2D Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible fluid flow problems is investigated. A new flux conservative technique for the solution of the elliptic part of the equations is formulated. In the new model, the non linear convective terms of the momentum equations are approximated by means of characteristics and the spatial approximations, of equal order, are obtained by polynomials of degree two. The advancing in time is afforded by a fractional step method combined with a suitable stabilization technique so that the Inf-Sup condition is respected. In order to keep down the computational cost, the algebraic systems are solved by an iterative solver (Bi-CGSTAB) preconditioned by means of Schwarz additive scalable preconditioners. The properties of the new method are verified carrying out several numerical tests. At first, some elliptic, parabolic and convective-diffusive problems are solved and discussed, then the results of some time dependent and stationary 2D Navier-Stokes problems (in particular the well known benchmark problem of the natural convection in a square cavity) are discussed and compared to those found in the literature. Another, potentially very important application of the numerical tools developed, regards the solution of 1D Shallow-Water equations. In fact the use of the fractional steps scheme for advancing in time and the finite elements (of different polynomial degrees) for the spatial approximation, makes the above mentioned approach computationally profitable and convenient for real applications. The efficiency and accuracy of the numerical model have been checked by solving a theoretical test. Finally, a brief description of the software suitably developed and used in the tests conclude the thesis