Adaptive finite element methods for high-speed compressible flows

Abstract

An adaptive finite element algorithm for solving the unsteady Euler equations is described. The finite element algorithm is based on a Taylor/Galerkin formulation and uses a very fast and efficient data structure to refine and unrefine the grid in order to optimize the approximation. A general version of the method which can be applied to moving grids with sliding interfaces is given, and results for a transient supersonic calculation of rotor-stator interaction are presented.