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A finite-difference scheme for three-dimensional incompressible flows in cylindrical coordinates

Journal Article · · Journal of Computational Physics

A finite-difference scheme for the direct simulation of the incompressible time-dependent three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates is presented. The equations in primitive variables (v{sub r}, v{sub H}, v{sub 2} and p) are solved by a fractional-step method together with an approximate-factorization technique. Cylindrical coordinates are singular at the axis; the introduction of the radial flux q{sub r} = r{center_dot}v{sub r} on a staggered grid simplifies the treatment of the region at r = 0. The method is tested by comparing the evolution of a free vortex ring and its collision with a wall with the theory, experiments, and other numerical results. The formation of a tripolar vortex, where the highest vorticity is at r = 0, is also considered. Finally to emphasize the accurate treatment near the axis, the motion of a Lamb dipole crossing the origin is simulated. 28 refs., 13 figs.

OSTI ID:
263370
Journal Information:
Journal of Computational Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Computational Physics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 123; ISSN 0021-9991; ISSN JCTPAH
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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