Development of a coupled matrix-free LU-SGS solver for turbulent compressible flows

Abstract

The paper deals with the development of the lower-upper symmetric Gauss–Seidel (LU-SGS) matrix-free finite volume solver for the simulation of compressible flows within the framework of the OpenFOAM package. The solver evaluates the convective fluxes using approximate Riemann solvers with limited piece-wise linear reconstructions whereas the viscous fluxes are approximated using a central scheme. The time evolution is realised through the backward differentiation formula of first or second order. The system of non-linear equations is then solved with the help of the matrix-free LU-SGS method. The developed solver is used to solve several flow problems and compared to a pressure-based segregated solver. Our numerical experiments indicate that the LU-SGS solver is more efficient for flows with higher Mach numbers and provides better resolution of shock waves. Moreover the LU-SGS solver benefits from the low memory footprint and does not use any problem specific setup.