Adaptive Finite Element Technique for high-speed Compressible flows

An upwind cell-centered finite element formulation is combined with an adaptive meshing technique for solving high-speed compressible flow problems. The finite element formulation and its computational procedure are described. A corresponding computer program that can be executed on standard personal computers has been developed. An adaptive meshing technique is applied to increase the analysis solution accuracy, and at the same time, to minimize the computer time and memory. The efficiency of the combined method is evaluated by examples of high-speed compressible flows past a wedge and a cylinder. 1