An application of the finite element technique to boundary value problems of potential flow

Abstract

This report summarizes an experimental application of the finite element approach to two-dimensional inviscid fluid flow. The method results in a matrix equation relating the vector of velocities at the nodal points with the vector of singularities. The singularities, which are concentrated at the nodes, consist of a source and a vortex. On solution of this equation (defining the flow in the region), boundary conditions must te stipulated. This usually involves setting the internal singularities to zero and making certain modifications ro those lying on the boundary of the region. Some results of the application to a particular problem are included in the paper.