Simulation of time-dependent compressible viscous flows using central and upwind-biased finite-difference techniques

Four time-dependent numerical algorithms for the prediction of unsteady, viscous compressible flows are compared. The analyses are based on the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations expressed in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system. The methods tested include three traditional central-difference algorithms, and a new upwind-biased algorithm utilizing an implicit, time-marching relaxation procedure based on Newton iteration. Aerodynamic predictions are compared for internal duct-type flows and cascaded turbomachinery flows with spatial periodicity. Two-dimensional internal duct-type flow predictions are performed using an H-type grid system. Planar cascade flows are analyzed using a numerically generated, capped, body-centered, O-type grid system. Initial results are presented for critical and supercritical steady inviscid flow about an isolated cylinder. These predictions are verified by comparisons with published computational results from a similar calculation. Results from each method are then further verified by comparison with experimental data for the more demanding case of flow through a two-dimensional turbine cascade. Inviscid predictions are presented for two different transonic turbine cascade flows. All of the codes demonstrate good agreement for steady viscous flow about a high-turning turbine vane with a leading edge separation. The viscous flow results show a marked improvement over the inviscid results in the region near the separation bubble. Viscous flow results are then further verified in finer detail through comparison with the similarity solution for a flat plate boundary-layer flow. The usefulness of the schemes for the prediction of unsteady flows is demonstrated by examining the unsteady viscous flow resulting from a sinusoidally oscillating flat plate in the vicinity of a stagnant fluid. Predicted results are compared with the analytical solution for this flow. Finally, numerical results are compared with flow visualization and experimental data for the unsteady flow resulting from an impulsively started cylinder. Each algorithm demonstrates unique qualities which may be interpreted as either advantageous or disadvantageous, making it difficult to select an optimum scheme. The preferred method is perhaps best chosen based on the experience of the user and the particular application