A new velocity-vorticity boundary integral formulation for Navier-Stokes equations

In the present work, an indirect boundary integral method for the numerical solution of Navier-Stokes equations formulated in velocity-vorticity depen dent variables is proposed. This wholly integral approach, based on Helmhol tz's decomposition, deals directly with the vorticity field and gives empha sis to the establishment of appropriate boundary conditions for the vortici ty transport equation. The coupling between the vorticity and the vortical velocity fields is expressed by an iterative procedure. The present analysi s shows the usefulness of an integral formulation not only in providing a p otentially more efficient computational tool, but also in giving a better u nderstanding to the physics of the phenomenon. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.