Development of a segregated compressible flow solver for turbomachinery simulations

Abstract

A steady multiple reference frame segregated compressible solver and an unsteady sliding mesh one are developed using OpenFOAM® to simulate turbomachinery. For each of the two solvers, governing equations, numerical approach and solver structure are explained. Pressure and energy equation are implemented so as to obtain the best numerical properties, such as the ability to use large time-steps. Sod shock tube test case is used to assess the prediction of compressible phenomena by the transient scheme, which shows proper resolution of compressible waves. Both solvers are used to simulate a turbocharger turbine, comparing their solutions to corresponding ones using ANSYS® Fluent® as a means of validation. The multiple reference frame solver global results quantitatively differ from those computed using ANSYS Fluent, although predicted flow features match. The solution obtained by the sliding mesh solver presents better agreement compared to ANSYS Fluent one.