A unified fractional step method for compressible and incompressible flows, heat transfer and incompressible solid mechanics

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present briefly a unified fractional step method for fluid dynamics, incompressible solid mechanics and heat transfer calculations. The proposed method is demonstrated by solving compressible and incompressible flows, solid mechanics and conjugate heat transfer problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method is used for the spatial discretization of the equations. The fluid dynamics algorithm used is often referred to as the characteristic‐based split scheme.

Findings

The proposed method can be employed as a unified approach to fluid dynamics, heat transfer and solid mechanics problems.

Originality/value

The idea of using a unified approach to fluid dynamics and incompressible solid mechanics problems is proposed. The proposed approach will be valuable in complicated engineering problems such as fluid‐structure interaction and problems involving conjugate heat transfer and thermal stresses.

Citation

Nithiarasu, P. (2008), "A unified fractional step method for compressible and incompressible flows, heat transfer and incompressible solid mechanics", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 111-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530810846284