Generalized Internal Boundaries (GIB)

TL;DR

This paper introduces a robust and efficient method for representing large-scale motions and topological changes in finite volume simulations by aligning mesh facets with geometry, avoiding complex cell operations, and incorporating ALE for motion.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Generalized Internal Boundary (GIB) technique that simplifies handling large motions in FV methods without complex cell splitting or merging.

Findings

Validated against body-fitted grid simulations of oscillating cylinder

Compared with experimental results of a butterfly valve

Demonstrated robustness and efficiency in complex flow scenarios

Abstract

Representing large-scale motions and topological changes in the finite volume (FV) framework, while at the same time preserving the accuracy of the numerical solution, is difficult. In this paper, we present a robust, highly efficient method designed to achieve this capability. The proposed approach conceptually shares many of the characteristics of the cut-cell interface tracking method, but without the need for complex cell splitting/merging operations. The heart of the new technique is to align existing mesh facets with the geometry to be represented. We then modify the matrix contributions from these facets such that they are represented in an identical fashion to traditional boundary conditions. The collection of such faces is named a Generalised Internal Boundary (GIB). In order to introduce motion into the system, we rely on the classical ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian) approach, but with the caveat that the non-time-dependent motion of elements instantaneously crossing the interface is handled separately from the time dependent component. The new methodology is validated through comparison with: a) a body-fitted grid simulation of an oscillating two dimensional cylinder and b) experimental results of a butterfly valve.