Mass and momentum equations
The flow solver solves conservation equations for mass and momentum for general flow.
These equations can be expressed in Cartesian coordinates and using the tensorial notation [1, 2, 3] are, respectively, the following expressions.
In these equations:
- The Einstein convention is used (i, j, k = 1,2,3).
- Uj and uj are the components of the mean and the fluctuating velocity in the xj direction.
- P is the pressure.
- ρ is the density of the fluid.
- μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
- represents the turbulent (or Reynolds) stresses.
- SUj is the source terms for momentum equation.
These equations are valid for both, incompressible and compressible flows.
The terms of the momentum conservation equation are:
- The transient term
- The convection term
- The pressure gradient term
- The stress term
- The source term
The source term SUj can represent body forces or flow resistance forces:
- For natural convection flows, SUj includes the buoyancy force. See Buoyancy force for more information.
- For flows through porous blockages, SUj contains additional resistance terms. See Flow resistance through porous materials for more information.