Finite element analysis of fluid flows with moving boundary

The objective of the present study is to analyze the fluid flow with moving boundary using a finite element method. The algorithm uses a fractional step approach that can be used to solve low-speed flow with large density changes due to intense temperature gradients. The explicit Lax-Wendroff scheme is applied to nonlinear convective terms in the momentum equations to prevent checkerboard pressure oscillations. The ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian) method is adopted for moving grids. The numerical algorithm in the present study is validated for two-dimensional unsteady flow in a driven cavity and a natural convection problem. To extend the present numerical method to engine simulations, a piston-driven intake flow with moving boundary is also simulated. The density, temperature and axial velocity profiles are calculated for the three-dimensional unsteady piston-driven intake flow with density changes due to high inlet fluid temperatures using the present algorithm. The calculated results are in good agreement with other numerical and experimental ones.