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At least 37 records · Page 2

Three-Dimensional Incompressible Navier-Stokes Flow Computations about Complete Configurations Using a Multiblock Unstructured Grid Approach

A multiblock unstructured grid approach is presented for solving three-dimensional incompressible inviscid and viscous turbulent flows about complete configurations. The artificial compressibility form of the governing equations is solved by a node-based, finite volume implicit scheme which uses a backward Euler time discretization. Point Gauss-Seidel relaxations are used to solve the linear system of equations at each time step. This work employs a multiblock strategy to the solution procedure, which greatly improves the efficiency of the algorithm by significantly reducing the memory requirements by a factor of 5 over the single-grid algorithm while maintaining a similar convergence behavior. The numerical accuracy of solutions is assessed by comparing with the experimental data for a submarine with stem appendages and a high-lift configuration.

Sheng, Chunhua↗

Variable High Order Multiblock Overlapping Grid Methods for Mixed Steady and Unsteady Multiscale Viscous Flows

Flows containing steady or nearly steady strong shocks in parts of the flow field, and unsteady turbulence with shocklets on other parts of the flow field are difficult to capture accurately and efficiently employing the same numerical scheme even under the multiblock grid or adaptive grid refinement framework. On one hand, sixth-order or higher shock-capturing methods are appropriate for unsteady turbulence with shocklets. On the other hand, lower order shock-capturing methods are more effective for strong steady shocks in terms of convergence. In order to minimize the shortcomings of low order and high order shock-capturing schemes for the subject flows,a multi- block overlapping grid with different orders of accuracy on different blocks is proposed. Test cases to illustrate the performance of the new solver are included.

Multiscale viscous flows↗

Counterrotating prop-fan simulations which feature a relative-motion multiblock grid decomposition enabling arbitrary time-steps

Improvements are presented of a computer algorithm developed for the time-accurate flow analysis of rotating machines. The flow model is a finite volume method utilizing a high-resolution approximate Riemann solver for interface flux definitions. The numerical scheme is a block LU implicit iterative-refinement method which possesses apparent unconditional stability. Multiblock composite gridding is used to orderly partition the field into a specified arrangement of blocks exhibiting varying degrees of similarity. Block-block relative motion is achieved using local grid distortion to reduce grid skewness and accommodate arbitrary time step selection. A general high-order numerical scheme is applied to satisfy the geometric conservation law. An even-blade-count counterrotating unducted fan configuration is chosen for a computational study comparing solutions resulting from altering parameters such as time step size and iteration count. The solutions are compared with measured data.

Janus, J. Mark↗

A multiblock multigrid method for the solution of the three-dimensional Euler equations

A general multiblock, multigrid method for the solution of the Euler equations has been developed. Two types of numerical methods were investigated, van Leer's flux-vector-splitting and Roe's flux-difference-splitting, with MUSCL type differencing used in both methods. An explicit two-step method and a multi-stage Runge-Kutta method have been tested. Results are presented for test cases of a channel flow, nozzle exhaust flow, and a transonic wing.

Cannizzaro, Frank E.↗

A multiblock grid generation technique applied to a jet engine configuration

Techniques are presented for quickly finding a multiblock grid for a 2D geometrically complex domain from geometrical boundary data. An automated technique for determining a block decomposition of the domain is explained. Techniques for representing this domain decomposition and transforming it are also presented. Further, a linear optimization method may be used to solve the equations which determine grid dimensions within the block decomposition. These algorithms automate many stages in the domain decomposition and grid formation process and limit the need for human intervention and inputs. They are demonstrated for the meridional or throughflow geometry of a bladed jet engine configuration.

Stewart, Mark E. M.↗

Multiblock grid generation for jet engine configurations

The goal was to create methods for generating grids with minimal human intervention that are applicable to a wide range of problems and compatible with existing numerical methods and with existing and proposed computers. The following topics that are related to multiblock grid generation are briefly covered in viewgraph form: finding a domain decomposition, dimensioning grids, grid smoothing, manipulating grids and decompositions, and some specializations for jet engine configurations.

Stewart, Mark E. M.↗

Multiblock Navier-Stokes solutions about the F/A-18 wing-LEX-fuselage configuration

Three-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes computations are presented for the F/A-18 configuration. The modeled configuration includes an accurate surface representation of the fuselage, leading-edge extension (LEX), and wing, both with and without leading-edge flap deflection. A multiblock structured grid strategy is employed to decompose the computational flowfield domain around the subject configuration. Steady-state solutions are obtained from an algorithm that solves the compressible Navier-Stokes equations with an upwind-biased, flux-difference splitting approach. The results presented are based on a fully turbulent flow assumption, simulating the high Reynolds number flow conditions that correspond to a recent FI A-18 flight experiment. Good agreements between the computations and the flight test results are obtained for both surface flow patterns as well as surface pressure distributions. Furthermore, a correlation between the computed LEX vortex-core and the flight test results, observed by way of smoke visualization, is also presented.

Aircraft configurations↗

A multiblock, multigrid solution procedure for multielement airfoils

A block-structured grid formulation is presented and discussed. The compressible Euler equations are solved on the decomposed domain with a multigrid method based on Runge-Kutta time stepping and centered spatial differencing. The flexibility of the multiblock approach is demonstrated by computing low speed inviscid flow over two different multielement airfoil configurations.

Sanetrik, Mark D.↗

A three dimensional multigrid multiblock multistage time stepping scheme for the Navier-Stokes equations

A general multiblock method for the solution of the three-dimensional, unsteady, compressible, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations has been developed. The convective and pressure terms are spatially discretized using Roe's flux differencing technique while the viscous terms are centrally differenced. An explicit Runge-Kutta method is used to advance the solution in time. Local time stepping, adaptive implicit residual smoothing, and the Full Approximation Storage (FAS) multigrid scheme are added to the explicit time stepping scheme to accelerate convergence to steady state. Results for three-dimensional test cases are presented and discussed.

Elmiligui, Alaa↗

Compressible turbulent flow simulation with a multigrid multiblock method

We describe a multigrid multiblock method for compressible turbulent flow simulations and present results obtained from calculations on a two-element airfoil. A vertex-based spatial discretization method and explicit multistage Runge-Kutta time-stepping are used. The slow convergence of a single grid method makes the multigrid method, which yields a speed factor of about 20, indispensable. The numerical predictions are in good agreement with experimental results. It is shown that the convergence of the multigrid process depends considerably on the ordering of the various loops. If the block loop is put inside the stage loop, the process converges more rapidly than if the block loop is situated outside the stage loop when a three-stage Runge-Kutta method is used. If a five-stage scheme is used, the process does not converge in the latter block ordering. Finally, the process based on the five-stage method is about 60 percent more efficient than with the three-stage method, if the block loop is inside the stage loop.

Kuerten, Hans↗

Multiblock grid generation with automatic zoning

An overview will be given for multiblock grid generation with automatic zoning. We shall explore the many advantages and benefits of this exciting technology and will also see how to apply it to a number of interesting cases. The technology is available in the form of a commercial code, GridPro(registered trademark)/az3000. This code takes surface geometry definitions and patterns of points as its primary input and produces high quality grids as its output. Before we embark upon our exploration, we shall first give a brief background of the environment in which this technology fits.

Eiseman, Peter R.↗

Internal Passage Heat Transfer Prediction Using Multiblock Grids and a Kappa-Omega Turbulence Model

Numerical simulations of the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer in a rectangular duct with a 180 C bend were performed. Results are presented for Reynolds numbers of 17,000 and 37,000 and for aspect ratios of 0.5 and I.O. A kappa-omega turbulence model with no reference to distance to a wall is used. Direct comparison between single block and multiblock grid calculations are made. Heat transfer and velocity distributions are compared to available literature with good agreement. The multi-block grid system is seen to produce more accurate results compared to a single-block grid with the same number of cells.

Rigby, David L.↗

An Efficient Multiblock Method for Aerodynamic Analysis and Design on Distributed Memory Systems

The work presented in this paper describes the application of a multiblock gridding strategy to the solution of aerodynamic design optimization problems involving complex configurations. The design process is parallelized using the MPI (Message Passing Interface) Standard such that it can be efficiently run on a variety of distributed memory systems ranging from traditional parallel computers to networks of workstations. Substantial improvements to the parallel performance of the baseline method are presented, with particular attention to their impact on the scalability of the program as a function of the mesh size. Drag minimization calculations at a fixed coefficient of lift are presented for a business jet configuration that includes the wing, body, pylon, aft-mounted nacelle, and vertical and horizontal tails. An aerodynamic design optimization is performed with both the Euler and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations governing the flow solution and the results are compared. These sample calculations establish the feasibility of efficient aerodynamic optimization of complete aircraft configurations using the RANS equations as the flow model. There still exists, however, the need for detailed studies of the importance of a true viscous adjoint method which holds the promise of tackling the minimization of not only the wave and induced components of drag, but also the viscous drag.

Reuther, James↗

A Parallel Multiblock Mesh Movement Scheme For Complex Aeroelastic Applications

A scheme has been developed for the movement of multiblock, structured grids due to surface deformation arising from aeroelastics, control surface movement, or design optimization. Elements of the method include a blending of a surface spline approximation and nearest surface point movement for block boundaries. Transfinite interpolation is employed for volume grid deformation. The scheme is demonstrated on a range of simple and complex aeroelastic aircraft applications using Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics and modal structural analyses on parallel processors. Results are robust and accurate, requiring only minimal user input specification.

Potsdam, Mark A.↗

LeRC-HT: NASA Lewis Research Center General Multiblock Navier-Stokes Heat Transfer Code Developed

For the last several years, LeRC-HT, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer code for analyzing gas turbine flow and convective heat transfer, has been evolving at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The code is unique in its ability to give a highly detailed representation of the flow field very close to solid surfaces. This is necessary for an accurate representation of fluid heat transfer and viscous shear stresses. The code has been used extensively for both internal cooling passage flows and hot gas path flows--including detailed film cooling calculations, complex tip-clearance gap flows, and heat transfer. In its current form, this code has a multiblock grid capability and has been validated for a number of turbine configurations. The code has been developed and used primarily as a research tool (at least 35 technical papers have been published relative to the code and its application), but it should be useful for detailed design analysis. We now plan to make this code available to selected users for further evaluation.

Heidmann, James D.↗

A New Method for the Accurate Calculation of Derivatives at Structured Multiblock Grid Singularities

The new Structured Mapping At Reduced dimension Topology elements (SMART) method for the accurate calculation of derivatives at multiblock structured grid block interfaces is presented. In the SMART method, a ’local’ curvilinear mapping is defined at each interface point, giving a consistent multidimensional definition of the derivatives. The resulting system of equations is overdetermined, and a least squares method is used to determine the value of the derivatives in the local coordinate system. In the special case of a nonsingular interface point, the SMART method automatically recovers the spatial differencing stencils used at the interior points in the neighboring grid blocks.

Computational Aeroacoustics↗

Derivative interface conditions for multiblock grids

Methods are developed for computing numerical solutions along block boundaries, even when there is a discontinuity in the grid lines or slopes. The technique is based on matching derivatives and does not require overlapping and interpolation of solution values at block boundaries. The comparison of block boundary values is implicit and has proven to be stable for both implicit and explicit numerical algorithms. Examples are included for the numerical solution of the Euler equations for compressible flow on grids with both grid line discontinuities and discontinuous slopes at block boundaries.

Mastin, C. W.↗

Investigation of upwind, multigrid, multiblock numerical schemes for three dimensional flows. Volume 1: Runge-Kutta methods for a thin layer Navier-Stokes solver

A state-of-the-art computer code has been developed that incorporates a modified Runge-Kutta time integration scheme, upwind numerical techniques, multigrid acceleration, and multi-block capabilities (RUMM). A three-dimensional thin-layer formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations is employed. For turbulent flow cases, the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model is used. Two different upwind techniques are available: van Leer's flux-vector splitting and Roe's flux-difference splitting. Full approximation multi-grid plus implicit residual and corrector smoothing were implemented to enhance the rate of convergence. Multi-block capabilities were developed to provide geometric flexibility. This feature allows the developed computer code to accommodate any grid topology or grid configuration with multiple topologies. The results shown in this dissertation were chosen to validate the computer code and display its geometric flexibility, which is provided by the multi-block structure.

Cannizzaro, Frank E.↗