Finite-element analysis of incompressible Navier-Stokes equations involving exit pressure boundary conditions

This article presents finite-element solutions for incompressible Navier-St okes equations in velocity-pressure variables. Specific to this study is th e inclusion of pressure boundary conditions into the mixed finite-element f ormulation. To provide an in-depth analysis of the finite-element model, ri gorous derivations have been carried out. The justification for applying th e finite-element code to simulate this class of flow problems is presented by solving a problem which is amenable to analytical solution and the backw ard-facing step benchmark problem. In addition, results for blood flow in a carotid artery are presented to show the applicability of the finite-eleme nt code to geometrically more complex problems.