Mesh suitability for CFD simulations performed on axial compressor airfoil cascades

Abstract

In the presented paper, two different meshing strategies are compared to show the accuracy advantage of properly constructed mesh. For this purpose, it was necessary to automatize simulation process, in order to perform a number of calculations without the necessity of user interaction. Later, a method of results extrapolation as well as a way of judging mesh quality are introduced for more throughout comparison of presented discretization strategies. The latter method, called grid convergence index, is also used to calculate probability range of accurate result. To conclude, outcomes of this study are in agreement with general opinon on pracitces for an accurate CFD result. Structured O-type mesh with refinement at wall boundaries (often referred to as “inflation layers”) performs better than simple free mesh.

Keywords

• automation
• axial compressor cascade
• cfd
• grid convergence index
• richardson extrapolation