Efficient incompressible flow calculations using PQ2Q1 element

Abstract

Implementation of an equal-order-interpolation velocity–pressure element pair is presented for the finite element solution of incompressible viscous flows. A fractional-step method is employed for temporal discretization. The element pair, also called a pseudo-biquadratic velocity/bilinear pressure element (pQ2Q1), consists of a bilinear pressure element and bilinear velocity elements defined on subdivisions of the pressure element. This pair satisfies the so-called ‘Ladyzhenskaya–Babuska–Brezzi’ condition. Considerable savings in computational cost are achieved due to the reduced number of elements for pressure. A modification of the element is realized for a better representation of curved surfaces. Two test cases, namely the lid-driven cavity flow and impulsively started circular cylinder in cross-flow, are used to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the element compared to a regular bilinear velocity–pressure (Q1Q1) element pair. Computational results presented show that the pQ2Q1 element solutions require less memory and CPU time compared to Q1Q1 element solutions, for at least the same accuracy. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.