An analysis of finite element approximations for an algebraic model of turbulence (Q1104823)

The finite element analysis presented is based on existing methods for the Navier-Stokes equations. Significant departures, in both the algorithm design and analysis are due to the appearance of the turbulent viscosity term in equations considered here. We reiterate that our goal is to put on a firm foundation a finite element method for a particular algebraic model of turbulence. We do not attempt to validate the model itself or to discuss its relative merits. However, it should be noted that such validations and evaluations are meaningful only when one is confident that computational errors are well under control; indeed, it is our purpose to give potential users of the algorithm discussed here such confidence. The plan of the rest of the paper is as follows. We state the mathematical realization of the particular turbulence model under consideration. Then, after establishing some notations, we give the weak formulation of the problem which is to be discretized. Finally we discuss finite element approximations.