Analyzing the Physics within Complex Unsteady Flow Fields

Significant enhancements in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were accomplished. These advances are due mainly to advances in both computational hardware and software, and improved numerical methods. Some of these improved CFD techniques have demonstrated the potential to predict the formation of eddies and the generation of highly complex vortex dominated flow fields. Among these improved CFD techniques, is the improved finite volume concept, called the Integro-Differential Scheme (IDS). The IDS was formulated for use with the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations to simulate the physics within highly complex and unsteady flow fields. In this work, the objective is to demonstrate the capabilities of the IDS to resolve the fluid physics within vortex dominated flow fields. To this end, a series of existing vortex dominated flow field problems are solved. The CFD problems addressed include: (i) the vortex shock interaction (VSI) problem, involving both normal and oblique shocks, (ii) the Reimann Contact Discontinuity (CDI) problem, (iii) the Jet Injection of opposing Stream (JIOS) problem, (iii) the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability (RMI) problem, and (iv) the under expanded jet flow (UEJF) problem. The IDS simulated solutions of these problems are compared to those computed by established high fidelity and high order schemes, including solutions generated by the LES and GKS schemes. After comparing the IDS simulated results to those of the high-fidelity methods, it can be concluded that the physics capturing capability of the IDS is verified. The veracity of the IDS scheme as a tool for analyzing ‘vortex dominated flows is potentially established.