A New Approach to the Particle-in-Cell Method

Contents | PDF file (399 KB)

ESAIM: Proceedings, Vol. 7, 1999, 80-93
Third International Workshop on Vortex Flows
and Related Numerical Methods
http://www.emath.fr/proc/Vol.7/

A New Approach to the Particle-in-Cell Method
for the Computation of Three-Dimensional
Incompressible Unsteady Flows

F. Buron, L. Pérault

Laboratoire d'Etudes Aérodynamiques
de l'université de Poitiers
UMR CNRS 6609

Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et d'Aérotechnique
86960 Futuroscope Cedex, France

(buron@lea.ensma.fr /perault@lea.ensma.fr)

Abstract:

A hybrid three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) method is proposed. This 3D PIC technique combined with a classical three-dimensional vortex particle method is applied to the calculation of unsteady inviscid and incompressible flow. More precisely the wake roll-up behind an inclined flat plate is studied. A spreading procedure of the vorticity, a direct interaction between nodes of the grid and a mesh generated from the plate discretization present a few undesirable grid effects, but ensure a continuous application of the slip condition to the plate. In this way the total circulation is nearly conserved and, in the case of a separated flow at high angle of attack, the particles are prevented from crossing the wing. Numerical results are compared with experiment for several angles of attack and aspect ratios.

Contents | PDF file (399 KB)