Boundary Layer Adaptivity For Incompressible Turbulent Flows

Abstract: Boundary layers in turbulent flows require fine grid spacings near the walls which depend on the choice of turbulence model. To satisfy these requirements a semi-structured mesh is generally used in this area with orthogonal and layered elements. Adaptation of such a mesh needs to take into account the flow physics along with the standard error indicator approach. In this paper a novel methodology which combines Hessian based error indicators with flow physics to drive mesh adaptation is illustrated. Particular focus is on the thickness adaptation of the layered mesh. The technique is applied to two turbulent incompressible flow cases and its effectiveness is studied.