A spectral element Crank–Nicolson model to the 2D unsteady conduction–convection problems about vorticity and stream functions

Abstract In this study, a time semi-discretized Crank–Nicolson (CN) scheme of the two-dimensional (2D) unsteady conduction–convection problems for vorticity and stream functions is first built together with showing the existence and stability along with error estimates to the semi-discretized CN solutions. Afterwards, a fully discretized spectral element CN (SECN) model of the 2D unsteady conduction–convection problems as regards the vorticity and stream functions is set up together with showing the proof of the existence and stability along with error estimates of the SECN solution. Lastly, a set of numerical experiments are offered for checking the correctness of the theoretical conclusions.