An RBF Interpolated Generalized Finite Difference Meshless Method for Compressible Turbulent Flows

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a topic that has been researched heavily over the past 50 years, especially since the accessibility to sufficient computational resources has greatly increased. However, it is precisely this increase in technology that has led to a lack of efficiency in many CFD developments, especially when it comes to the process of grid generation. While many researchers are currently focused on solutions to the grid generation problems of traditional CFD techniques, the majority of these approaches still suffer serious numerical difficulties due to the underlying CFD solution algorithms that are used. Therefore, the focus of this work is to demonstrate a novel approach to true CFD automation which is based on traditional Cartesian grid generation coupled with a Meshless flow solution algorithm. As Meshless method solutions require only an underlying nodal distribution, this approach works well even for complex flow geometries. And with the addition of a so-called shadow layer of body-fitted nodes, the stair-casing issues of typical Cartesian solvers are eliminated. This paper will describe the approach taken to automatically generate the Meshless nodal distribution, along with the details of an automatic local refinement process. Also, as the primary interest of automated CFD is for aerospace applications, this work includes the development of standard two-equation turbulence models for use in this Meshless based solver. Finally, results will be shown for the application of high-speed, compressible turbulent flows.Copyright © 2009 by ASME