Momentum Variable Procedure for Solving Compressible and Incompressible Flows

Abstract

Navier-Stokes equations are solved for both compressible and incompressible flows using momentum component variables instead of the usual velocity variables as the dependent variables. The numerical procedure is developed in a control-volume-based, finite element context. The procedure is determined in a pressure-based algorithm rather than the density-based algorithms, which compressible methods normally use. The proper selection of the connections between the variables on control volume surfaces and the main nodal values allow the use of a collocated grid arrangement. The compressible and incompressible results of this algorithm are investigated by testing a number of test cases including the driven cavity, an entrance region flow, and a converging-diverging nozzle flow. The results indicate that the momentum component procedure is quite successful for solving compressible and incompressible flows within a single algorithm