Parallel domain connectivity algorithm for unsteady flow computations using overlapping and adaptive grids

This paper describes the algorithms and functionality of a new module developed to support overset grid assembly associated with performing time-dependent and adaptive moving body calculations of external aerodynamic flows using a multi-solver paradigm (i.e. different CFD solvers in different parts of the computational domain). We use the term “domain connectivity” in this paper to denote all the procedures that are involved in an overset grid assembly, and the module developed is referred henceforth as the domain-connectivity module. The domain-connectivity module coordinates the data transfer between different solvers applied in different parts of the computational domain – body fitted structured or unstructured to capture viscous near-wall effects, and Cartesian adaptive mesh refinement to capture effects away from the wall. The execution of the CFD solvers and the domain-connectivity module are orchestrated by a Python-based computational infrastructure. The domain-connectivity module is fully parallel and performs all its operations (identification of grid overlaps and determination of data interpolation strategy) on the partitioned grid data. In addition, the domain connectivity procedures are completely automated such that no user intervention or manual input is necessary. The capabilities and performance of the package are presented for several test problems, including flow over a NACA 0015 wing and an AGARD A2 slotted airfoil, hover simulation of a scaled V-22 rotor, and dynamic simulation of a UH-60A rotor in forward flight. A modification to the algorithm for improved domain connectivity solutions in problems with tight tolerances as well as heterogeneous grid clustering is also presented.