Local linearization of the finite element method and its applications to compressible flows

In applications of the finite element method to complicated nonlinear problems, it is proposed to simplify the operator in each element, typically by a linerization process. Local approximations can then be more easily constructed in the usual manner, and a proper assembly can be made. Such an approach would lead to an approximate global variational statement; or if the variational principle exists but is hard to handle, it should suggest an iterative scheme with a built‐in physical basis, hence a better chance to converge. The case of high subsonic flow over a circular cylinder is studied in detail by this method. With linear triangular elements, numerical results are obtained for 100 nodal unknowns in each quadrant. The convergence is extremely rapid up to a free stream Mach number of 0.42, slightly above critical. The accuracy is excellent as compared against Imai's analytical results.