Least-squares p-r finite element methods for incompressible non-Newtonian flows

A least-squares mixed p-type finite element method is developed for numerical solution of incompressible non-Newtonian flows. Hierarchical piecewise polynomials are introduced as element basis functions while singularities and boundary layers are treated by a combination of mesh redistribution and polynomial refinement. Scaling of the original differential equations is found to be important for the least-squares minimization process. We discuss both nonlinear algebraic and differential constitutive models and present numerical examples to illustrate benefits and shortcomings of the present approach. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.