Comprehensive code verification techniques for finite volume CFD codes

A detailed code verification study of a finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs) code using the Method of Manufactured Solutions is presented. The correctness of the code is verified through order of accuracy testing. Systematic mesh refinement required for order of accuracy testing and the way it is achieved particularly for unstructured meshes is discussed. The verification testing is performed on different mesh types which include triangular and quadrilateral elements in 2D and tetrahedral, prismatic, and hexahedral elements in 3D. The sensitivity of the order of accuracy to both mesh quality and mesh topology is examined. Along with the baseline steady-state governing equations, transport models, turbulence models, boundary conditions, and unsteady flows are verified. A new approach for the combined verification of spatial and temporal terms in the governing equations is developed and assessed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.