Computations of viscous flows using a multigrid finite volume lambda formulation

Abstract

The viscous finite volume lambda formulation is presented. The suggested technique is apt to compute viscous flows with heat fluxes. The inviscid terms are evaluated by means of the non‐conservative, very accurate upwind methodology, known as the finite volume lambda formulation. The diffusive terms, on the contrary, are approximated by a central scheme. Both methods are characterized by a nominal second order accuracy in space. Efficiency is enhanced by means of a multigrid technique which directly combines each grid level with each stage of an explicit multistage time integration technique. A laminar viscous flow about a NACA 0012 airfoil and a turbulent one about a RAE 2822 airfoil have been computed as well as the two‐ and three‐dimensional turbulent flows inside the Stanitz elbow. The computed numerical results are in very good agreement with well assessed published numerical or experimental results. The suggested multigrid technique allows significant work reductions for laminar as well as for turbulent flow computations.