Semi-Automatic Domain Decomposition Based on Potential Theory

Abstract

Decomposition of a flow domain into blocks, so-called domain decomposition, is the most challenging task in the process of multi-block grid generation. In this paper, a method is described to facilitate the construction of the blocks in exterior flow domains. Layers of blocks are automatically generated by solving the Laplace equation in a region between the configuration surface and a bounding box surface. A boundary element method based on simple-source distributions is used to solve the Laplace equation. After solving the Laplace equation, starting with a face decomposition of the configuration surface, blocks are generated by marching along the electrostatic field lines until a user specified potential is reached. The process may be repeated to generate a second layer of blocks. However, for configurations with a strongly non-convex shape, some blocks may need to be added manually to prevent deterioration of the block shapes in the second-layer. Therefore, the method is called semi-automatic.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 10, 2000
Accession Number
ADA391985

Entities

People

  • J. C. Kok
  • S. P. Spekreijse

Organizations

  • National Aerospace Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Automatic
  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Element Methods
  • Boundary Layer
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Convex Bodies
  • Decomposition
  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrostatic Fields
  • Equations
  • Far Field
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Simulations
  • Space Capsules
  • Wing Body Configurations

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Robotics and Automation.