Numerical simulation of atmospheric flow on variable grids using the Galerkin finite element method.
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Authors
Hinsman, Donald E.
Subjects
Galerkin finite element method
variable grid
triangular subdivision
rectangular subdivision
moving finite elements
small-scale forcing
variable grid
triangular subdivision
rectangular subdivision
moving finite elements
small-scale forcing
Advisors
Williams, R.T.
Date of Issue
1983-03
Date
March 1983
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
A hypothesis is made that the Galerkin Finite Element
Method (GFEM) offers a viable option to the traditional
Finite Difference Method (FDM) for numerical weather prediction. The shallow water barotropic primitive equations are
the forecast equations for all experiments. The hypothesis
is tested by observing simple, analytic, atmospheric wave
propagation on uniform and variable mesh grids. Second, a
strongly forced solution simulating small scale nonlinear
interactions is evaluated for both the GFEM and FDM.
Finally, a variable, moving grid for a GFEM model is
compared to a uniform, higher resolution GFEM model for a
strong vortex in a mean flow. The GFEM shows a better
propagation for simple atmospheric waves and better prediction
to a forced nonlinear solution than the FDM model. A
moving variable grid follows an area of strong gradients
while not generating noise in the transition zone.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.