Navier-Stokes solutions for laminar incompressible flows in forward-facing step geometries
Two-dimensional laminar flow of an incompressible fluid through channels with symmetrical and asymmetrical sudden constrictions formed by a semi-infinite step change in width, and flow through a cascade formed by an infinite stack of finite-thickness flat plates, is investigated using a finite-difference method. The NavierStokes equations in conservation form and body-fitted coordinates are solved up to a critical Reynolds number beyond which the flow may become unsteady. The numerical scheme is related to a second-order-accurate, artificial diffusion-free scheme previously developed by the present authors. Results are obtained that resolve the separated flowfield upstream and downstream of the step.