Implementation of an efficient segregated algorithm-IDEAL on 3D collocated grid system

The segregated algorithm-IDEAL (inner doubly-iterative efficient algorithm for linked-equations) is an efficient and stable algorithm. In this algorithm, there exist inner doubly-iterative processes for pressure equation, which almost completely overcome two approximations in SIMPLE algorithm. Thus the coupling between velocity and pressure is fully guaranteed, greatly enhancing the convergence rate and stability of iteration process. In this paper, implementation of the IDEAL algorithm on a 3D collocated grid system is conducted. The interface velocity is calculated by the modified momentum interpolation method (MMIM), by which the converged result is independent of the under-relaxation factor. Finally, five three-dimensional incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer problems are provided to compare the convergence rate and robustness between the IDEAL and three other most widely-used algorithms (SIMPLER, SIMPLEC and PISO). By the comparison it can be concluded that the IDEAL algorithm is more robust and efficient than the three other algorithms. Supported by the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50636050), Fundamental Projects of Research and Development in China (973) (Grant Nos. 2006CB601203 and 2007CB206902)