Least‐squares finite elements for first‐order hyperbolic systems

A class of least‐squares finite element methods has been developed for first‐order systems and here we study this approach for hyperbolic problems. The formulation of the least‐squares method is developed in detail and compared with the Petrov‐Galerkin and Taylor‐Galerkin procedures. A stability analysis is carried out and the extension to the non‐linear problem described. Numerical comparison studies demonstrate the performance of the method and suggest that it is a promising alternative to existing schemes. Applications considered include the convection equation, inviscid Burger's equation and shallow‐water equations.