ABSTRACT
In finite-element method, the domain is broken into a set of discrete volumes or finite elements. Finite-difference methodis the oldest method for numerical solution of PDEs, introduced by Euler in the eighteenth century. Finite-volume method (FVM) was originally developed as a special finite-difference formulation in a conservative form, where the entire solution domain was divided into a number of control volumes. An analytical solution may be possible only for some simplified cases. FVM begins with a formal integration of the governing equations of fluid flow over all the control volumes of the solution domain. For numerical stability and to yield realistic solutions, there are certain rules to be followed for discretization. The linear framework of discretization allows standard solution techniques for a system of linear equations. The success of a discretization scheme in obtaining an “acceptable solution” is often qualified with the aid of performance parameters such as consistency, stability, and convergence.
