Two preconditioners for saddle point problems in fluid flows

In this paper two preconditioners for the saddle point problem are analysed: one based on the augmented Lagrangian approach and another involving artificial compressibility. Eigenvalue analysis shows that with these preconditioners small condition numbers can be achieved for the preconditioned saddle point matrix. The preconditioners are compared with commonly used preconditioners from literature for the Stokes and Oseen equation and an ocean flow problem. The numerical results confirm the analysis: the preconditioners are a good alternative to existing ones in fluid flow problems. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.