Transonic viscous-inviscid interaction by a finite element method

Abstract

A method is outlined for solving two-dimensional transonic viscous flow problems, in which the velocity vector is split into the gradient of a potential and a rotational component. The approach takes advantage of the fact that for high-Reynolds-number flows the viscous terms of the Navier-Stokes equations are important only in a thin shear layer and therefore solution of the full equations may not be needed everywhere. Most of the flow can be considered inviscid and, neglecting the entropy and vorticity effects, a potential model is a good approximation in the flow core. The rotational part of the flow can then be calculated by solution of the potential, streamfunction and vorticity transport equations. Implementation of the no-slip and no-penetration boundary conditions at the walls provides a simple mechanism for the interaction between the viscous and inviscid solutions and no extra coupling procedures are needed. Results are presented for turbulent transonic internal choked flows.