A New Formulation for Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

A new vector quantity in fluid dynamics is defined and a vector transport equation for the quantity is derived. The new vector quantity is defined as the curl of the vorticity and is referred to as the angular vorticity. The transport equation for the new quantity is derived by taking the curl of the vorticity transport equation. The new transport equation combined with Poisson type velocity equations comprises the new angular vorticity-velocity formulation. The major advantage of the new formulaton is that computational boundary conditions for through-flow problems may be significantly relaxed. Boundary conditions for the newly defined variable are derived. A simple test case of laminar incompressible planar flow between parallel plates was executed to determine if the new formulation would produce results comparable to previous solutions. Numerical experiments were conducted using channel length, mesh size, and Reynolds number as parameters. The results are compared to values obtained by other investigators. The results show that the angular vorticity formulation is a feasible method for solution of fluid flow problems where fully developed flow is not attained.