Solution of a low Prandtl number natural convection benchmark by a local meshless method

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the solution of a highly nonlinear fluid dynamics in a low Prandtl number regime, typical for metal‐like materials, as defined in the call for contributions to a numerical benchmark problem for 2D columnar solidification of binary alloys. The solution of such a numerical situation represents the first step towards understanding the instabilities in a more complex case of macrosegregation.Design/methodology/approachThe involved temperature, velocity and pressure fields are represented through the local approximation functions which are used to evaluate the partial differential operators. The temporal discretization is performed through explicit time stepping.FindingsThe performance of the method is assessed on the natural convection in a closed rectangular cavity filled with a low Prandtl fluid. Two cases are considered, one with steady state and another with oscillatory solution. It is shown that the proposed solution procedure, despite its simplicity, provides stable and convergent results with excellent computational performance. The results show good agreement with the results of the classical finite volume method and spectral finite element method.Originality/valueThe solution procedure is formulated completely through local computational operations. Besides local numerical method, the pressure velocity is performed locally also, retaining the correct temporal transient.