A multilevel-multigrid method for recirculating flows

A solution algorithm is developed which can predict recirculating flow phenomena in an accurate and efficient manner. The algorithm is based on the multilevel solution scheme of Brandt. In addition, regions with large spatial gradients in the dependent variables are handled through the use of multigrid local refinement. The algorithm is first used to study a scalar diffusion equation and an advection diffusion equation. Comparisons with model problems which have exact analytical solutions point out the efficient and accurate manner in which the algorithm performs. Modifications are described which adapt the multilevel-multigrid algorithm for use in analyzing recirculating flow. The full algorithm for recirculating flow is then tested by comparison of predicted results with three test cases for which either numerical or experimental results are available.