Visualization of Unsteady Creeping Viscous Flows Using Vector Products

A finite element method for analyzing unsteady incompressible creeping flows is presented. Marker particles are introduced to analyze the flow motions. To determine the marker position in the element, vector products are used. By checking the signs of the product, the marker position during the transient analysis can be determined in a simple manner. A benchmark-type problem for which an analytical solution is available and the filling process of a simple axisymmetrical mould shape are solved to illustrate this method.