Convergence of the Incremental Projection Method Using Conforming Approximations

Abstract We prove the convergence of an incremental projection numerical scheme for the time-dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, without any regularity assumption on the weak solution. The velocity and the pressure are discretized in conforming spaces, whose compatibility is ensured by the existence of an interpolator for regular functions which preserves approximate divergence-free properties. Owing to a priori estimates, we get the existence and uniqueness of the discrete approximation. Compactness properties are then proved, relying on a Lions-like lemma for time translate estimates. It is then possible to show the convergence of the approximate solution to a weak solution of the problem. The construction of the interpolator is detailed in the case of the lowest degree Taylor–Hood finite element.