NUMERICAL COMPUTATIONS OF THE CAVITY FLOWS USING THE POTENTIAL FLOW THEORY

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics of turbulent flows requires large computational resources or are not suitable for the computations of transient flows. Therefore methods such as Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are not suitable for the computation of transient flows. The direct numerical simulation provides the most accurate solution, but it is not suitable for high-Reynolds number flows. Large-eddy simulation (LES) approach is computationally less demanding than the DNS but still computationally expensive. Therefore, alternative computational methods must be sought. This research concerns the modelling of inviscid incompressible cavity flow using the potential flow. The numerical methods employed the finite differences approach. The time and space discretization is achieved using second-order schemes. The studies reveal that the finite differences approach is a computationally efficient approach and large computations can be performed on a single computer. The analysis of the flow physics reveals the presence of the recirculation region inside the cavity as well at the corners of the cavity