Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow in 2D Domains Containing Moving Objects

Abstract

Abstract This study presented a two-dimensional (2D) numerical analysis of fluid flow in domains containing moving objects. The method falls into the general category of Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) methods, which is based on a fixed mesh that is locally fitted at the moving objects. The moving objects are described using sets of marker points which can slide over the basic mesh. Once the moving object has gone through the stationary element, the element is restored to its original form. Therefore, the mesh adaptation is performed only in those elements intersected by an object and is local both in space and time. As a result, the method does not require interpolation and there are a fixed number of possible modifications to the intersected elements. As the global mesh is independent of object movement, therefore it eliminates the possibility of mesh entanglement. The mesh never becomes unsuitable due to its continuous deformation, thus eliminating the need for repeated re-meshing and interpolation. A validation is presented via a problem with an exact analytical solution to the case of 2D flow between two parallel plates separating with a prescribed velocity. The method’s capabilities and accuracy are illustrated through application in realistic geometrical settings which show the robustness and flexibility of the technique.