Transient Flow Patterns and Pressures Characteristics in a Hydrostatic Pocket

Abstract

The flow in an open lid, shear flow driven cavity with a jet penetrating at its bottom is described by a mathematical model that uses the Navier-Stokes equations written in terms of the primary variables, u, v, and p. Using a time dependent conservative formulation, a finite difference method is applied through a staggered grid. The power law scheme is used in the treatment of the convective terms for this highly recirculating flow. The time dependent numerical experiments use both geometric (α = d/l, λ = c/l and γ = b/l), and dynamic similarity parameters [Reynolds number (R) and jet strength (F)] to study the development of the flow patterns, velocities, pressures and shear forces when the top plate impulsively entrains the cavity driving shear layer. The experiments are performed in two-dimensional cavities of square geometry (α = 1). The discussion pertaining to the convergence of the numerical scheme and the computational error shows that the strict convergence criteria applied to both velocities and pressures were successfully satisfied.