A Two-Level Finite Element Galerkin Method for the Nonstationary Navier-Stokes Equations I: Spatial Discretization

Abstract

In this article we consider a two-level finite element Galerkin method using mixed finite elements for the two-dimensional nonstationary incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The method yields a $H^1$-optimal velocity approximation and a $L_2$-optimal pressure approximation. The two-level finite element Galerkin method involves solving one small, nonlinear Navier-Stokes problem on the coarse mesh with mesh size $H$, one linear Stokes problem on the fine mesh with mesh size $h << H$. The algorithm we study produces an approximate solution with the optimal, asymptotic in $h$, accuracy.