Particle/Continuum Hybrid Simulation in a Parallel Computing Environment

Abstract

The objective of this study was to modify an existing parallel particle code based on the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method to include a Navier-Stokes (NS) calculation so that a hybrid solution could be developed. In carrying out this work, it was determined that the following five issues had to be addressed before extensive program development of a three dimensional capability was pursued: (1) find a set of one-sided kinetic fluxes that are fully compatible with the DSMC method, (2) develop a finite volume scheme to make use of these one-sided kinetic fluxes, (3) make use of the one-sided kinetic fluxes together with DSMC type boundary conditions at a material surface so that velocity slip and temperature slip arise naturally for near-continuum conditions, (4) find a suitable sampling scheme so that the values of the one-sided fluxes predicted by the NS solution at an interface between the two domains can be converted into the correct distribution of particles to be introduced into the DSMC domain, (5) carry out a suitable number of tests to confirm that the developed concepts are valid, individually and in concert for a hybrid scheme.