High‐order finite difference schemes for incompressible flows

This paper presents a new high‐order approach to the numerical solution of the incompressible Stokes and Navier–Stokes equations. The class of schemes developed is based upon a velocity–pressure–pressure gradient formulation, which allows: (i) high‐order finite difference stencils to be applied on non‐staggered grids; (ii) high‐order pressure gradient approximations to be made using standard Padé schemes, and (iii) a variety of boundary conditions to be incorporated in a natural manner. Results are presented in detail for a selection of two‐dimensional steady‐state test problems, using the fourth‐order scheme to demonstrate the accuracy and the robustness of the proposed methods. Furthermore, extensions to higher orders and time‐dependent problems are illustrated, whereas the extension to three‐dimensional problems is also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.