Multi-domain parallel computation of wake flows

We present a new, multi-domain parallel computational method for simulation of unsteady flows involving a primary object, a long wake region and, poss ibly, a secondary object affected by the wake flow. The method is based on the stabilized finite element formulation of the time-dependent Navier-Stok es equations of incompressible flows. In the multi-domain computational met hod the entire simulation domain is divided into an ordered sequence of ove rlapping subdomains. The flow data computed over the leading subdomain is u sed for specifying the inflow boundary conditions for the next subdomain. T he subdomain corresponding to the wake would not involve any objects, hence the mesh constructed over this domain would be structured. A special-purpo se finite element implementation for structured meshes is used for the wake domain to achieve much higher computational speeds compared to a general-p urpose implementation. We present verification studies for the multi-domain method and special-purpose implementation, followed by two numerical examp les. The first example is the wake behavior behind a circular cylinder. The second one is the aerodynamic effect of tip vortices released from a leadi ng wing on a trailing wing placed in the far wake. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e S.A. All rights reserved.