MOMENTUM VARIABLE PROCEDURE FOR SOLVING COMPRESSIBLE AND INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOWS

Navier-Stokes equations are solved for both compressible and incompres sible hows using momentum component variables instead of the usual vel ocity variables as the dependent variables. The numerical procedure is developed in a control-volume-based, finite element context. The proc edure is determined in a pressure-based algorithm rather than the dens ity-based algorithms, which compressible methods normally use. The pro per selection of the connections between the variables on control volu me surfaces and the main nodal values allow the use of a collocated gr id arrangement. The compressible and incompressible results of this al gorithm are investigated by testing a number of test cases including t he driven cavity, an entrance region flow, and a converging-diverging nozzle flom. The results indicate that the momentum component procedur e is quite successful far solving compressible and incompressible hows within a single algorithm.