We present in this paper a finite element analysis of Navier-Stokes equatio
ns in a time-varying domain. The method of weighted residuals is used toget
her with the semi- discretization approach to obtain the discrete equations
. IN this approach, where the physical domain is allowed to vary, care is t
aken to retain the space conservation law property. We describe in detail t
he transformation of equations between fixed and moving grids. The validity
of this method has been tested against two problems which are amenable to
analytic solutions. Time accurate results show favorable agreement with ana
lytic solutions. Having verified the applicability of the Galerkin finite e
lement code to problems involving moving grids, we consider the fluid flow
in a vessel, where a portion of its boundary moves in time. Results are pre
sented with emphasis on the depiction of vortical flow details.