High-Order Simulation of Particle-Laden Flows in Moving Domains Using Coupled ALE and Sliding Mesh Approaches

Abstract

In practical applications, compressible particle-laden flows in moving geometries involve complex, non-linear, and multi-scale inter-actions with turbulent structures. Resolving these dynamics numerically requires careful algorithmic treatment to accurately predict particle trajectories. This work presents a high-fidelity Euler-Lagrange framework that couples a high-order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method for the continuous phase with a Lagrangian point-particle tracking scheme. To manage moving and deforming domains, the framework integrates two distinct mesh movement strategies: the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method for general mesh deformations such as time-resolved particle-induced surface deformations and its special interface case, the sliding mesh approach, uniquely suited for rigid rotational or translational movements. A primary focus is placed on tightly coupling the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation into the temporal evolution step by utilizing radial basis function morphing to capture the non-linear feedback loop between evolving surface topologies and the continuous phase. Concurrently, the framework ensures time- and high-order accurate coupling of the mesh movement algorithms with the dispersed phase. In particular, the proposed algorithm resolves the sliding mesh tracking problem by enforcing strict spatial and temporal accuracy as Lagrangian particles cross non-conforming grid interfaces between adjacent moving zones. The algorithms are rigorously validated against multiple benchmarks and subsequently applied to two challenging compressor rotor applications: the first focusing on solid-particle erosion, and the second featuring an upstream cylindrical wake generator.