Energy-conserving finite difference scheme based on velocity interpolation applicable to unsteady flows using collocated grids

Abstract

The collocation method uses the Rhie–Chow scheme to find the cell interface velocity by pressure-weighted interpolation. The accuracy of this interpolation method in unsteady flows has not been fully clarified. This study constructs a finite difference scheme for incompressible fluids using a collocated grid in a general curvilinear coordinate system. The velocity at the cell interface is determined by weighted interpolation based on the pressure difference to prevent pressure oscillations. The Poisson equation for the pressure correction value is solved with the cross-derivative term omitted to improve calculation efficiency. In addition, simultaneous relaxation of velocity and pressure is applied to improve convergence. Even without the cross-derivative term, calculations can be stably performed, and convergent solutions are obtained. In unsteady inviscid flow, the conservation of kinetic energy is excellent even in a non-orthogonal grid, and the calculation result has second-order accuracy to time. In viscous analysis at a high Reynolds number, the error decreases compared with that of the Rhie–Chow interpolation method. The present numerical scheme improves calculation accuracy in unsteady flows. The possibility of applying this computational method to high Reynolds number flows is demonstrated through several analyses.