Implementation of the Transient Adaptive Sub-Cell Module for the Parallel DSMC Code

Abstract

A method of transient adaptive sub-cells (TAS) suitable for unstructured grids in Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations is introduced. The TAS algorithm is implemented within the frame work of a parallelized DSMC code (PDSC). Benchmarking tests are conducted for driven cavity (low, hypersonic flow over a two-dimensional cylinder and the unsteady vortex shedding behind a two-dimensional cylinder. The use of TAS enabled a reduction in the computational expense of the simulation since larger sampling cells and less simulation particles could be employed. Furthermore, the collision quality of the simulation was maintained or improved and the preservation of property gradients and vorticity at the scale of the sub-cells enabled correct unsteady vortex shedding frequencies to be predicted. The use of TAS in a parallel DSMC code allows simulations of unsteady processes at a near continuum level to be carried out efficiently, accurately and with acceptable computational times.