Pressure-Based Finite-Volume Methods in Computational Fluid Dynamics

Pressure-based finite-volume techniques have emerged as the methods of choice for a wide variety of industrial applications involving incompressible fluid flow. In this paper, we trace the evolution of this class of solution techniques. We review the basics of the finite-volume method, and trace its extension to unstructured meshes through the use of cell-based and control-volume finite-element schemes. A critical component of the solution of incompressible flows is the issue of pressure-velocity storage and coupling. The development of staggered-mesh schemes and segregated solution techniques such as the SIMPLE algorithm are reviewed. Co-located storage schemes, which seek to replace staggered-mesh approaches, are presented. Coupled multigrid schemes, which promise to replace segregated-solution approaches, are discussed. Extensions of pressure-based techniques to compressible flows are presented. Finally, the shortcomings of existing techniques and directions for future research are discussed.