A robust sharp interface based immersed boundary framework for moving body problems with applications to laminar incompressible flows

Abstract

This study presents a robust, sharp interface immersed boundary (IBM) framework for moving body problems. The in-house solver makes use of a density-based finite volume framework for solving unsteady, 3D Favre averaged Navier Stokes equation in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system. The immersed boundary formulation is capable of handling arbitrarily complex three-dimensional bodies. The sharp interface approach allows for the exact imposition of boundary conditions at the immersed surface by reconstructing the flow field along its local normal. The implemented reconstruction schemes maintain second-order accuracy. The study focuses on issues of mass conservation and spurious temporal oscillations (pressure as well as force) that the sharp interface IBM approach typically faces when encountering moving body problems. A ghost node-based field extension technique provides an efficient way to improve mass conservation and as a result, reduces not only spurious oscillations but also increases temporal accuracy. Flow past both bluff body (triangular, circular and spherical), as well as streamlined body (airfoil), is presented here as validation studies. The ability of the present formulation to deal with moving body problems in the laminar incompressible flow regime is demonstrated by presenting cases that involve motions such as pitching and in-line oscillation. The predictions are found to be in good agreement with the published results and measurements as well.