On Strand Grids for Complex Flows

Abstract

The need for highly automated and computationally efficient tools for high fidelity simulation of complex flow fields is recognized. A discretization paradigm that holds significant advantages relative to these needs is described. Problem domains are categorized into nearand offbody partitions. Strand grid technology is applied to near-body partitions, while block-structured Cartesian AMR (Adaptive Mesh Refinement) is applied to the off-body partition. The computational advantages and degrees of automation derivable from the approach are reviewed. A set of software tools that have been developed for grid generation and flow solution using both strand grid and block-structured Cartesian AMR are presented. Demonstration of strand grid technology is provided via time-dependent flow simulations and comparison with experimental data. The degree to which strand grid technology expands the spectrum of problems that can be considered via high performance computing is also considered.