New Optimized Equal-Area Mesh Used in Axisymmetric Models for Laminar Transient Flows

Abstract

The current paper aims at assessing the effect of the radial mesh on the description of the axial velocity in steady-state and transient conditions and at presenting the results of a new optimized equal-area mesh. For this purpose, a quasi-2D model is implemented and tested for different mesh configurations and sizes. A new two-region mesh geometry with 40 cylinders is proposed to optimize the description of the wall shear stress immediately after each pressure variation. This mesh is composed of two regions: one with a high-resolution near the pipe wall and the second with a coarser grid in the pipe core. Different configurations of this mesh are analysed for both steady and unsteady conditions. Results are compared with those obtained by a 1D model and with experimental data for laminar flows, discussed in terms of the computation effort and accuracy. The proposed two-region mesh has demonstrated: (i) a reduction in the simulation error by five times when compared with standard meshes for the same computational effort and for the instantaneous valve closure; (ii) an important improvement in accuracy for an experimental S-shape valve maneuver, particularly for meshes with few cylinders; and (iii) a correct description of the transient pressures collected in the experimental tests.