Numerical Study of Compressible Newtonian Fluid Flow with Low Viscosity through a Lid-Driven Cavity

Abstract

This paper focuses on numerical analysis of Newtonian compressible fluid flow in a square cavity driven by a lid, where the motion of the fluid is generated by moving the upper wall with prescribed velocity. The numerical solution of the governing equations is performed within a Taylor--Galerkin/Pressure--Correction finite element framework (TGPC--FEM). The pattern of the flow is governed by Navier--Stokes equations, consisting from continuity equation describing mass conservation and unsteady momentum equations written in Cartesian coordinates.The objective of this work is to investigate the role of low dynamic viscosity (µ) on some significant flow properties. The influence of the viscosity change on the velocity field, shear stress, pressure and density distributions is investigated in details. Numerical solutions show that, when increased (µ), the trajectory of velocity becomes smaller in magnitude, whereas the other hydrodynamic profiles become larger. In general, the expected tendencies are in qualitative agreement with basic physical principles of viscous compressible flows.