Entropy Stability and Finite Element Methods: Simulating Fluid Flows without Blow-Up


November 3, 2017

Thursday, November 2, 2017
Dr. David Williams
Pennsylvania State University
2:00 - 3:00pm
SEH, B1220

 

Abstract

There are many unique challenges in designing robust and high-fidelity methods for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. These challenges can be (at least partially) remedied by embracing methods that are constructed within a rigorous mathematical framework. This is one of the reasons why finite element methods with their strong mathematical foundation are attractive. However, there remain several open questions regarding their suitability for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. In particular, there are questions about the possibility of constructing robust, and versatile stabilization for finite element methods at high Reynolds and Mach numbers. In this talk, the speaker (David M. Williams) will attempt to discuss the non-linear stability of finite element methods, and in particular `entropy stability’ and `L2 stability’. In addition, he will discuss the limitations/opportunities for improvement of the current mathematical results in this area.

 

Biography

David M. Williams is an assistant professor at The Pennsylvania State University in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He came to Penn State from the Flight Sciences division of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Research and Technology, where he worked for several years as a computational fluid dynamics engineer. Williams received his M.S. and Ph. D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University. He holds a B.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. He has made significant advances in the design of numerical algorithms for computational fluid dynamic simulations. Currently, his research focuses on employing high-order Finite Element schemes to more accurately predict unsteady flows.