Parallel finite element computation of free-surface flows

Abstract

In this paper we present parallel 2D and 3D finite element computation of unsteady, incompressible free-surface flows. The computations are based on the Deformable-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space-Time (DSD/SST) finite element formulation, which takes automatically into account the motion of the free surface. The free-surface height is governed by a kinematic free-surface condition, which is also solved with a stabilized formulation. The meshes consist of triangles in 2D and triangular-based prism elements in 3D. The mesh update is achieved with general or special-purpose mesh moving schemes. As examples, 2D flow past spillway of a dam and 3D flow past a surface-piercing circular cylinder are presented.