PISO algorithm

Abstract: The performance of the PISO, SIMPLER, and SIMPLEC algorithms for the treatment of the pressure-velocity coupling in steady flow problems is examined by comparing the computational effort required to obtain the same level of convergence in four test problems. For problems in which the momentum equation is not coupled to a scalar variable the PISO algorithm is superior, but when the scalar variable is strongly coupled to the momentum equation SIMPLER and SIMPLEC exhibit better behavior and reasonable solutions with the PISO algorithm are obtained only for small time steps. Clear superiority of SIMPLER over SIMPLEC or vice versa is not observed, although the iterative formulations of these two algorithms exhibit more robust behavior than the corresponding time-marching formulations.

Abstract: We describe an approach to simulate dynamic cavitation behavior based on large eddy simulation of the governing flow, using an implicit approach for the subgrid terms together with a wall model and a single fluid, two-phase mixture description of the cavitation combined with a finite rate mass transfer model. The pressure-velocity coupling is handled using a PISO algorithm with a modified pressure equation for improved stability when the mass transfer terms are active. The computational model is first applied to a propeller flow in homogeneous inflow in both wetted and cavitating conditions and then tested in an artificial wake condition yielding a dynamic cavitation behavior. Although the predicted cavity extent shows discrepancy with the experimental data, the most important cavitation mechanisms are present in the simulation, including internal jets and leading edge desinence. Based on the ability of the model to predict these mechanisms, we believe that numerical assessment of the risk of cavitation nuisance, such as erosion or noise, is tangible in the near future.

Abstract: Various pressure-based schemes are proposed for transient flows based on well-established SIMPLE and PISO algorithms. The schemes are applied to the solution of unsteady laminar flow around a square cylinder and steady laminar flow over a backward-facing step. The implicit treatment and the performance of the various schemes are evaluated by using benchmark solutions with a small time step. Three different second-order-accurate time derivatives based on different time levels are presented. The different time derivatives are applied to the various schemes under consideration. Overall the PISO scheme was found to predict accurate results and was robust. However, for small time step values, alternative schemes can predict accurate results for approximately half the computational cost. The choice of time derivative proved to be very significant in terms of the accuracy and robustness of a scheme. Significantly, the one-sided forward differencing scheme was the most successful used in conjunction with a strongly implicit-based algorithm. However, a greater degree of accuracy was achieved using the standard PISO algorithm with the Crank–Nicolson time derivative. Recommendations for future work are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.