Improvement of numerical modeling in the solution of static and transient dynamic problems using finite element method based on spherical Hankel shape functions

In this paper, finite element method is reformulated using new shape functions to approximate the state variables (ie, displacement field and its derivatives) and inhomogeneous term (ie, inertia term) of Navier's differential equation. These shape functions and corresponding elements are called spherical Hankel hereafter. It is possible for these elements to satisfy the polynomial and the first and second kind of Bessel function fields simultaneously, while the classic Lagrange elements can only satisfy polynomial ones. These shape functions are so robust that with least degrees of freedom, much better results can be achieved in comparison with classic Lagrange ones. It is interesting that no Runge phenomenon exists in the interpolation of proposed shape functions when going to higher degrees of freedom, while it may occur in classic Lagrange ones. Moreover, the spherical Hankel shape functions have a significant robustness in the approximation of folded surfaces. Five numerical examples related to the usage of suggested shape functions in finite element method in solving problems are studied, and their results are compared with those obtained from classic Lagrange shape functions and analytical solutions (if available) to show the efficiency and accuracy of the present method.     

Comparison of method of lines and finite difference solutions of 2‐D Navier–Stokes equations for transient laminar pipe flow

Performances of method of lines (MOL) and finite difference method (FDM) were tested from the viewpoints of solution accuracy and central processing unit (CPU) time by applying them to the solution of time‐dependent 2‐D Navier–Stokes equations for transient laminar flow without/with sudden expansion and comparing their results with steady‐state numerical predictions and measurements previously reported in the literature. Predictions of both methods were obtained on the same computer by using the same order of spatial discretization and the same uniform grid distribution. Axial velocity and pressure distribution in pipe flow and steady‐state reattachment lengths in sudden expansion flow on uniform grid distribution predicted by both methods were found to be in excellent agreement. Transient solutions of both methods for pipe flow problem show favourable comparison and are in accordance with expected trends. However, non‐physical oscillations were produced by both methods in the transient solution of sudden expansion pipe flow. MOL was demonstrated to yield non‐oscillatory solutions for recirculating flows when intelligent higher‐order discretization scheme is utilized for convective terms. MOL was found to be superior to FDM with respect to CPU and set‐up times and its flexibility for incorporation of other conservation equations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.