A stabilized finite element method for the time-dependent Stokes equations based on Crank–Nicolson Scheme

Abstract: A stabilized finite element method for the time-dependent Stokes equations based on Crank–Nicolson scheme is considered in this paper. The method combines the Crank–Nicolson scheme with a stabilized finite element method which uses the lowest equal-order element pair, i.e., the stabilized finite element method is applied for the spatial approximation and the time discretization is based on the Crank–Nicolson scheme. Moreover, we present optimal error estimates and prove that the scheme is unconditionally stable and convergent. Finally, numerical tests confirm the theoretical results of the presented method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]