Multiple discrete solutions of the incompressible steady-state Navier- Stokes equations (Q1101282)

This paper discusses the computation of multiple solutions of various discretizations of the steady state incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Solution paths (\(\alpha\),R) satisfying the discrete system of equations \(H(\alpha,R)=0\), where \(\alpha\) represents the discrete flow field and R is the Reynolds number, are computed using a pseudo arc- length continuation procedure. For flows over the back end of an axially symmetric body with a cusped tail in a coaxial circular cylinder, the solution paths often exhibit ``hairpin'' turning points. Dependence of the paths on the mesh spacing and various selections for the discretizations of the convective and diffusive terms are presented.