Isogeometric Methods for Free Boundary Problems

Abstract: We present in detail three different quasi-Newton isogeometric algorithms for the treatment of free boundary problems. Two algorithms are based on standard Galerkin formulations, while the third is a fully-collocated scheme. With respect to standard approaches, isogeometric analysis enables the accurate description of curved geometries, and is thus particularly suitable for free boundary numerical simulation. We apply the algorithms and compare their performances to several benchmark tests, considering both Dirichlet and periodic boundary conditions. In this context, iogeometric collocation turns out to be robust and computationally more efficient than Galerkin. Our results constitute a starting point of an in-depth analysis of the Euler equations for incompressible fluids.