Simulation of two-dimensional Kolmogorov flow with smooth particle applied mechanics

Smooth-particle applied mechanics is an interesting alternative method for the simulation of hydrodynamic flows. In this grid-free procedure the various fields are calculated by summing up the contributions from neighboring particles which are smoothly distributed in space according to a weighting function. The motion equations for these particles are ordinary differential equations similar — and in special cases isomorphic — to the atomistic equations of motion. We apply the method to two-dimensional Kolmogorov flow, where the fluid in the top and bottom half of the tube is accelerated in opposite directions. By varying the Reynolds number the transition from laminar flow to a stationary flow with symmetrically placed vortices is followed.