Fluid-Structure Interactive Simulation Using a Virtual Flux Method

This paper describes the resent development of a virtual flux method for simulating fluid-structure interaction problems. The virtual flux method is one of the sharp interface Cartesian grid methods. The numerical flux across the interface is replaced with the virtual flux so that proper interface conditions must be satisfied there. In this study, the virtual flux method is applied to numerical flow simulations about reciprocating engines. The compressible Navier-Stokes equations are coupled with the equation of motion of the piston, connecting rod, and crank system. Intake and exhaust valves are lifted up and down according with the crank angle in the intake and exhaust strokes. Instead of modeling the complex fuel combustion process, a proper amount of energy is added to the Navier-Stokes equation at the beginning of each expansion stroke, to retain the four stroke engine cycle at a constant revolution rate. Initially the engine is started by starter motor force, which is added for a few seconds. The engine comes to work at the revolution rate intended after some initial transition cycles. With designing the intake and exhaust valve lift properly, intake mass and revolution rate are improved by several percent. It is confirmed that the virtual flux method is easily applicable to the simulation of fluid-structure interaction problems.