Verification of Finite Volume Computations on Steady-State Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer

Abstract

This work presents a post-processing tool for the verification of steady-state fluid flow and heat transfer finite volume computations. It is based both on the generalized Richardson extrapolation and the Grid Convergence Index (GCI). The observed order of accuracy and a error band where the grid independent solution is expected to be contained are estimated. The results corresponding to the following two and three-dimensional steady-state simulations are post-processed: a flow inside a cavity with moving top wall, an axisymmetric turbulent flow through a compressor valve, a premixed methane/air laminar flat flame on a perforated burner, and the heat transfer from an isothermal cylinder enclosed by a square duct. Discussion is carried out about the certainty of the estimators obtained with the post-processing procedure. They have been shown to be useful parameters in order to assess credibility and quality to the reported numerical solutions.