Challenge

Week 7 - Simulation of a 1D Supersonic nozzle flow simulation using Macormack Method

SS Deepak Kumar2 Apr 2023

Aim- To simulate the isentropic flow through a quasi 1D subsonic-supersonic nozzle and derive both the conservation and non-conservation forms of the governing equations and solve them using MacCormack's technique.

Objective-

1. Steady-state distribution of primitive variables inside the nozzle
2. Time-wise variation of the primitive variables
3. Variation of Mass flow rate distribution inside the nozzle at different time steps during the time-marching process
4. Comparison of Normalized mass flow rate distributions of both forms

Theory:-

Conservative Form-

Non-Conservative Form-

Maccarmack Method-

To discretize the numerical solution we use the technique called the MacCarmack method. The MacCormack method is a variation of the two-step Lax-Wendroff Scheme but is much simpler in the application.

The application of the MacCarmack method proceeds in two steps;

Predictor step: In the predictor step, a "provisional" value of u at time level n+1 (denoted by u_i^{overline{n+1}}) is estimated obtained by replacing the spatial and temporal derivatives in the previous first order equation using Forward Difference Scheme. Delta t is used for Timestep.

Corrector step: In the corrector step, the predicted value u_i^{overline{n+1}} is corrected according to the equation. Note that the corrector step uses Backward Difference Scheme for spatial derivative. The time step used in the corrector step is Delta t/2 in contrast to the Delta t used in the predictor step.

Conservative Form

%Function for Conservative form

function [Mass_flow_rate_C, Pressure_C, Mach_number_C,  rho_C, v_C, T_C, rho_throat_C, v_throat_C, T_throat_C, Mass_flow_rate_throat_C, Pressure_throat_C, Mach_number_throat_C] = Conservative_form(x, dx, n, gamma, nt, C)

%Determining Initial profile of Density and Temperature
for i = 1:n
    
    if (x(i) >= 0 && x(i) <= 0.5)
        rho_C(i) = 1;
        T_C(i) = 1;
    elseif (x(i) >= 0.5 && x(i) <= 1.5)
        rho_C(i) = 1 - 0.366*(x(i) - 0.5);
        T_C(i) = 1 - 0.167*(x(i) - 0.5);
    elseif (x(i) >= 1.5 && x(i) <= 3)
        rho_C(i) = 0.634 - 0.3879*(x(i) - 1.5);
        T_C(i) = 0.833 - 0.3507*(x(i) - 1.5);
    end
    
end

%Area & Throat profiles
a = 1 + 2.2*(x - 1.5).^2;
throat = find(a==1);

%Initial profile fot Velocity and Pressure
v_C = 0.59./(rho_C.*a);
Pressure_C = rho_C.*T_C;

%Calculate the Initial Solution Vectors(U)
U1 = rho_C.*a;
U2 = rho_C.*a.*v_C;
U3 = rho_C.*a.*(T_C./(gamma - 1)) + ((gamma/2).*v_C.^2);


%Outer Time Loop
for k =1:nt
    
    %Time-step control
    dt = min(C.*dx./(sqrt(T_C) + v_C));
    
    %Saving a copy of Old Values
    U1_old = U1;
    U2_old = U2;
    U3_old = U3;

    %Calculating the Flux vector(F)
    F1 = U2;
    F2 = ((U2.^2)./U1) + ((gamma - 1)/gamma)*(U3 - (gamma/2)*((U2.^2)./U1));
    F3 = ((gamma*U2.*U3)./U1) - (gamma*(gamma - 1)*((U2.^3)./(2*U1.^2)));
    
    
    %Predictor Method
    for j = 2:n-1
    
        %Calculating the Source term(J)
        J2(j) = (1/gamma)*rho_C(j)*T_C(j)*((a(j + 1) - a(j))/dx);
        
        
        %Continuity Equation
        dU1_dt_P(j) = -((F1(j + 1) - F1(j))/dx);
        
        %Momentum Equation
        dU2_dt_P(j) = -((F2(j + 1) - F2(j))/dx) + J2(j);
        
        %Energy Equation
        dU3_dt_P(j) = -((F3(j + 1) - F3(j))/dx);
        
        
        %Updating New values
        U1(j) = U1(j) + dU1_dt_P(j)*dt;
        U2(j) = U2(j) + dU2_dt_P(j)*dt;
        U3(j) = U3(j) + dU3_dt_P(j)*dt;
        
    end
    
    %Updating Flux vectors
    F1 = U2;
    F2 = ((U2.^2)./U1) + ((gamma - 1)/gamma)*(U3 - ((gamma*0.5*(U2.^2))./(U1)));
    F3 = ((gamma*U2.*U3)./U1) - ((gamma*0.5*(gamma - 1)*(U2.^3))./(U1.^2));

    
    %Corrector Method
    for j = 2:n-1
        
        %Updating the Source term(J)
        J2(j) = (1/gamma)*rho_C(j)*T_C(j)*((a(j) - a(j - 1))/dx);

        %Simplifying the Equation's spatial terms
        dU1_dt_C(j) = -((F1(j) - F1(j - 1))/dx);
        dU2_dt_C(j) = -((F2(j) - F2(j - 1))/dx) + J2(j);
        dU3_dt_C(j) = -((F3(j) - F3(j - 1))/dx);

    end

    %Compute Average Time derivative
    dU1_dt = 0.5*(dU1_dt_P + dU1_dt_C);
    dU2_dt = 0.5*(dU2_dt_P + dU2_dt_C);
    dU3_dt = 0.5*(dU3_dt_P + dU3_dt_C);

    %Final Solution Update
    for i = 2:n-1
        U1(i) = U1_old(i) + dU1_dt(i)*dt;
        U2(i) = U2_old(i) + dU2_dt(i)*dt;
        U3(i) = U3_old(i) + dU3_dt(i)*dt;
        
    end
    
    
    %Applying Boundary Conditions
    %At Inlet
    U1(1) = rho_C(1)*a(1);
    U2(1) = 2*U2(2) - U2(3);
    
    v_C(1) = U2(1)./U1(1);
    U3(1) = U1(1)*((T_C(1)/(gamma - 1)) + ((gamma/2)*(v_C(1)).^2));
    
    %At Outlet
    U1(n) = 2*U1(n - 1) - U1(n - 2);
    U2(n) = 2*U2(n - 1) - U2(n - 2);
    U3(n) = 2*U3(n - 1) - U3(n - 2);
    
    %Final Primitive value update
    rho_C = U1./a;
    v_C = U2./U1;
    T_C = (gamma - 1)*((U3./U1 - (gamma/2)*(v_C).^2));
    
    %Defining Mass flow rate, Pressure and Mach number
    Mass_flow_rate_C = rho_C.*a.*v_C;
    Pressure_C = rho_C.*T_C;
    Mach_number_C = (v_C./sqrt(T_C));
    
    %Calculating Variables at throat section
    rho_throat_C(k) = rho_C(throat);
    T_throat_C(k) = T_C(throat);
    v_throat_C(k) = v_C(throat);
    Mass_flow_rate_throat_C(k) = Mass_flow_rate_C(throat);
    Pressure_throat_C(k) = Pressure_C(throat);
    Mach_number_throat_C(k) = Mach_number_C(throat);

    %PLOTTING
    %Comparison of non-dimensional Mass flow rates at different time steps
    figure(4)
    if k == 50
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_C, 'm', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 100
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_C, 'c', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 200
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_C, 'g', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 400
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_C, 'y', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 800
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_C, 'k', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    end
           
    
    %Labelling
    title('Mass flow rates at different Timesteps - CONSERVATIVE FORM')
    xlabel('Distance')
    ylabel('Mass flow rate')
    legend({'50^t^h Timestep','100^t^h Timestep','200^t^h Timestep','400^t^h Timestep','800^t^h Timestep'})
    axis([0 3 0.4 1])
    grid on
    
end

end

Explanation

The purpose of the function is to calculate the values of

Mass flow rate, Pressure, Mach number, Density, velocity, Temperature, Density at the throat, velocity at throat, Temperature at throat, Mass flow rate at throat, Pressure at throat, Mach number at throat by the known equations for all the grid points.

To determine the initial profile of Density & Temperature, for loop is used inputing the known conditions within an else-if command.

Initial values of area, throat, velocity & Pressure are calculated using formulas.

In order to simplify and avoid errors, equation is splitted into Solution Vector(U), Flux Vector(F) and Source Term(J).

Now Outer Time loop is computed for for loop to calculate all the grid points for various formulas inside the loop.

MacCarmack technique is used to solve the numerical solution of governing equations such as Continuity, Momentum & Energy Equation.

The technique implies two methods for solving namely Predictor method followed by Corrector method.

Predictor & Corrector method are assigned within the for loop individually for calculating values.

The calculated values are averaged in the next step and updating the solution with old values.

Boundary Conditions are applied within the for loop and subsequently used for calculating the Mass Flow Rate, Mach Number & Pressure and also calculating the values throat section.

Finally plotting is done for Distance(x) & Mass Flow Rate for differrent Timesteps.

Program is ended.

Non-Conservative Form

%Function for Non-Conservative form

function [Mass_flow_rate_NC, Pressure_NC, Mach_number_NC, rho_NC, v_NC, T_NC, rho_throat_NC, v_throat_NC, T_throat_NC, Mass_flow_rate_throat_NC, Pressure_throat_NC, Mach_number_throat_NC] = Non_conservative_form(x, dx, n, gamma, nt, C)

%Intial boundary conditions
rho_NC = 1 - 0.3146*x;
T_NC = 1 - 0.2341*x;
v_NC = (0.1 + 1.09*x).*T_NC.^0.5;

%Area & Throat profiles
a = 1 + 2.2*(x - 1.5).^2;
throat = find(a==1);


%Outer Time Loop
for k = 1:nt
    
    %Time-step control
    dt = min(C.*dx./(sqrt(T_NC) + v_NC));
    
    %Saving a copy of Old Values
    rho_old = rho_NC;
    T_old = T_NC;
    v_old = v_NC;
    

    %Predictor Method
    for j = 2:n-1
        
        %Simplifying the Equation's spatial terms
        dv_dx = (v_NC(j + 1) - v_NC(j))/dx;
        drho_dx = (rho_NC(j + 1) - rho_NC(j))/dx;
        dT_dx = (T_NC(j + 1) - T_NC(j))/dx;
        dlog_a_dx = (log(a(j + 1)) - log(a(j)))/dx;
        
        %Continuity Equation
        drho_dt_P(j) = -rho_NC(j)*dv_dx - rho_NC(j)*v_NC(j)*dlog_a_dx - v_NC(j)*drho_dx;
        
        %Momentum Equation
        dv_dt_P(j) = -v_NC(j)*dv_dx - (1/gamma)*(dT_dx + (T_NC(j)*drho_dx/rho_NC(j)));
        
        %Energy Equation
        dT_dt_P(j) = -v_NC(j)*dT_dx - (gamma - 1)*T_NC(j)*(dv_dx + v_NC(j)*dlog_a_dx);
        
        
        %Solution Update
        rho_NC(j) = rho_NC(j) + drho_dt_P(j)*dt;
        v_NC(j) = v_NC(j) + dv_dt_P(j)*dt;
        T_NC(j) = T_NC(j) + dT_dt_P(j)*dt;
        
    end
    
    
    %Corrector Method
    for j = 2:n-1
        
        %Simplifying the Equation's spatial terms
        dv_dx = (v_NC(j) - v_NC(j - 1))/dx;
        drho_dx = (rho_NC(j) - rho_NC(j - 1))/dx;
        dT_dx = (T_NC(j) - T_NC(j - 1))/dx;
        dlog_a_dx = (log(a(j)) - log(a(j - 1)))/dx;
        
        %Continuity Equation
        drho_dt_C(j) = - rho_NC(j)*dv_dx - rho_NC(j)*v_NC(j)*dlog_a_dx - v_NC(j)*drho_dx;
        
        %Momentum Equation
        dv_dt_C(j) = - v_NC(j)*dv_dx - (1/gamma)*(dT_dx + (T_NC(j)*drho_dx/rho_NC(j)));
        
        %Energy Equation
        dT_dt_C(j) = - v_NC(j)*dT_dx - (gamma - 1)*T_NC(j)*(dv_dx + v_NC(j)*dlog_a_dx);
       
    end
    
    %Compute Average Time derivative
    drho_dt = 0.5.*(drho_dt_P + drho_dt_C);
    dv_dt = 0.5.*(dv_dt_P + dv_dt_C);
    dT_dt = 0.5.*(dT_dt_P + dT_dt_C);
    
    %Final Solution Update
    for i = 2:n-1
        rho_NC(i) = rho_old(i) + drho_dt(i)*dt;
        v_NC(i) = v_old(i) + dv_dt(i)*dt;
        T_NC(i) = T_old(i) + dT_dt(i)*dt;
        
    end
    
    %Applying Boundary Conditions
    %At Inlet
    rho_NC(1) = 1;
    v_NC(1) = 2*v_NC(2) - v_NC(3);
    T_NC(1) = 1;
    
    %At Outlet
    rho_NC(n) = 2*rho_NC(n-1) - rho_NC(n - 2);
    v_NC(n) = 2*v_NC(n - 1) - v_NC(n - 2);
    T_NC(n) = 2*T_NC(n - 1) - T_NC(n - 2);
    
    
    %Defining Mass flow rate, Pressure and Mach number
    Mass_flow_rate_NC = rho_NC.*a.*v_NC;
    Pressure_NC = rho_NC.*T_NC;
    Mach_number_NC = (v_NC./sqrt(T_NC));
    
    %Calculating Variables at throat section
    rho_throat_NC(k) = rho_NC(throat);
    T_throat_NC(k) = T_NC(throat);
    v_throat_NC(k) = v_NC(throat);
    Mass_flow_rate_throat_NC(k) = Mass_flow_rate_NC(throat);
    Pressure_throat_NC(k) = Pressure_NC(throat);
    Mach_number_throat_NC(k) = Mach_number_NC(throat);
    
    
    %PLOTTING
    %Comparison of non-dimensional Mass flow rates at different time steps
    figure(1);
    if k == 50
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_NC, 'm', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 100
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_NC, 'c', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 200
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_NC, 'g', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 400
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_NC, 'y', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    elseif k == 800
       plot(x, Mass_flow_rate_NC, 'k', 'linewidth', 1.25);
       hold on
    end
    
    %Labelling
    title('Mass flow rates at different Timesteps - NON CONSERVATIVE FORM)')
    xlabel('Distance')
    ylabel('Mass flow rate')
    legend({'50^t^h Timestep','100^t^h Timestep','200^t^h Timestep','400^t^h Timestep','800^t^h Timestep'})
    axis([0 3 0 2])
    grid on
    
end

end

Explanation

The purpose of the function is to calculate the values of

Mass flow rate, Pressure, Mach number, Density, velocity, Temperature, Density at throat, velocity at throat, Temperature at throat, Mass flow rate at throat, Pressure at throat, Mach number at throat by the known equations for all the grid points.

For this initial boundary conditions are established for Density, Temperature & Velocity and profiles for calculating area & throat.

Now Outer Time loop is computed for for loop to calculate all the grid points for various formulas inside the loop.

MacCarmack technique is used to solve the numerical solution of governing equations such as Continuity, Momentum & Energy Equation.

The technique implies two methods for solving namely the Predictor method followed by the Corrector method.

Predictor & Corrector methods are assigned within the for loop individually for calculating values.

The calculated values are averaged in the next step and updating the solution with old values.

Boundary Conditions are applied within the for loop and subsequently used for calculating the Mass Flow Rate, Mach Number & Pressure and also calculating the values throat section.

Finally plotting is done for Distance(x) & Mass Flow Rate for different Timesteps.

The program is ended.

Matlab Main code for Quassi 1-dimensional supersonic nozzle flow simulation

clear all
close all
clc

%SOLVING QUASI 1D SUPERSONIC NOZZLE FLOW EQUATIONS
%Shriyash Tamhane
%INPUT PARAMETERS
%No. of grid points    
n = 31;             

gamma = 1.4;
x = linspace(0,3,n);
dx = x(2) - x(1);

%No. of time step
nt = 1400;

%Courant Number
C = 0.5;            


%FUNCTION FOR NON CONSERVATIVE FORM
tic;
[Mass_flow_rate_NC, Pressure_NC, Mach_number_NC, rho_NC, v_NC, T_NC, rho_throat_NC, v_throat_NC, T_throat_NC, Mass_flow_rate_throat_NC, Pressure_throat_NC, Mach_number_throat_NC] = Non_conservative_form(x, dx, n, gamma, nt, C);
Time_elapsed_NC = toc;
fprintf('Time Elasped for Non Conservative form: %0.4f', Time_elapsed_NC);
hold on

%PLOTTING 
%Timestep variation of properties at throat area in Non Conservative form
figure(2)

%Density
subplot(4,1,1)
plot(linspace(1,nt,nt),rho_throat_NC,'color','m')
ylabel('Density')
legend({'Density at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0 1.3]);
grid minor;
title('Timestep variation at throat area - NON CONSERVATIVE FORM')

%Temperature
subplot(4,1,2)
plot(linspace(1,nt,nt),T_throat_NC,'color','c')
ylabel('Temperature')
legend({'Temperature at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.6 1]);
grid minor;

%Pressure
subplot(4,1,3)
plot(linspace(1,nt,nt),Pressure_throat_NC,'color','g')
ylabel('Pressure')
legend({'Pressure at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.4 1.1]);
grid minor

%Mach Number
subplot(4,1,4)
plot(linspace(1,nt,nt),Mach_number_throat_NC,'color','y')
xlabel('Timesteps')
ylabel('Mach Number')
legend({'Mach Number at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.6 1.4]);
grid minor;


%Steady state simulation for primitve values for Non Conservative form
figure(3);
%Density

subplot(4,1,1);
plot(x,rho_NC,'color','m')
ylabel('Density')
legend({'Density'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;
title('Variation of Flow Rate Distribution - NON CONSERVATIVE')

%Temperature
subplot(4,1,2);
plot(x,T_NC,'color','c')
ylabel('Temperature')
legend({'Temperature'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;

%Pressure
subplot(4,1,3);
plot(x,Pressure_NC,'color','g')
ylabel('Pressure')
legend({'Pressure'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;

%Mach number
subplot(4,1,4);
plot(x,Mach_number_NC,'color','y')
xlabel('Nozzle Length')
ylabel('Mach number')
legend({'Mach number'});
axis([0 3 0 4])
grid minor;


%FUNCTION FOR CONSERVATIVE FORM
tic;
[Mass_flow_rate_C, Pressure_C, Mach_number_C, rho_C, v_C, T_C, rho_throat_C, v_throat_C, T_throat_C, Mass_flow_rate_throat_C, Pressure_throat_C, Mach_number_throat_C] = Conservative_form(x, dx, n, gamma, nt, C);
Time_elasped_C = toc;
fprintf('Time Elasped for Conservative form: %0.4f', Time_elasped_C);

%PLOTTING 
%Timestep variation of properties at throat area in Conservative form
figure(5)

%Density
subplot(4,1,1)
plot(rho_throat_C,'color','m')
ylabel('Density')
legend({'Density at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0 1]);
grid minor;
title('Timestep variation at throat area - CONSERVATIVE FORM')

%Temperature
subplot(4,1,2)
plot(T_throat_C,'color','c')
ylabel('Temperature')
legend({'Temperature at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.6 1]);
grid minor;

%Pressure
subplot(4,1,3)
plot(Pressure_throat_C,'color','g')
ylabel('Pressure')
legend({'Pressure at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.2 0.8]);
grid minor

%Mach Number
subplot(4,1,4)
plot(Mach_number_throat_C,'color','y')
xlabel('Timesteps')
ylabel('Mach Number')
legend({'Mach Number at throat'});
axis([0 1400 0.6 1.4]);
grid minor;


%Steady state simulation for primitve values for Non Conservative form
figure(6);

%Density 
subplot(4,1,1);
plot(x,rho_C,'color','m')
ylabel('Density')
legend({'Density'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;
title('Variation of Flow Rate Distribution - CONSERVATIVE FORM')

%Temperature 
subplot(4,1,2);
plot(x,T_C,'color','c')
ylabel('Temperature')
legend({'Temperature'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;

%Pressure
subplot(4,1,3);
plot(x,Pressure_C,'color','g')
ylabel('Pressure')
legend({'Pressure'});
axis([0 3 0 1])
grid minor;

%Mach number
subplot(4,1,4);
plot(x,Mach_number_C,'color','y')
xlabel('Nozzle Length')
ylabel('Mach number')
legend({'Mach number'});
axis([0 3 0 4])
grid minor;


%COMPARISON PLOT of Normalized Mass Flow Rate of both forms
figure(7)
hold on
plot(x,Mass_flow_rate_NC,'r','linewidth',1.25)
hold on;
plot(x,Mass_flow_rate_C,'b','linewidth',1.25)
hold on;
grid on

legend('Non Conservative','Conservative');
xlabel('Length of the Domain')
ylabel('Mass Flow Rate')
title('Comparison of Normalized Mass Flow Rate of both forms')

Explanation

In this code we provided the input values like n(no. of grid points), gamma value, x, dx,nt (no of time steps), and courant number(c).
This code is formatted to call the function non-conservative and conservative form.
Then extract the results by running the code and plotting the results. this has been used by taking following solutions-
1)Timestep variation at throat area of both forms

2)Variation of Flow Rate Distribution of both forms

3)Comparison of Normalized Mass Flow Rate of both forms
Each plot is computed as subplots of four primitive variables such as Density, Temperature, Pressure and Mach Number at the throat as well as the Convergent/Divergent section.

Outputs-

Time step variation at primitive variable at throat area.

Conservative Form

Here by observing the above plots we could see that both the forms are in the same phase giving the exact same solution for all the values.

Non conservative Form

Observation

From the above plots, we can conclude that initial variations observed in the Non-Conservative form for a certain period of time make it consume a higher amount of time to achieve a stable solution when compared to the Conservative form.

Variation of Flow Rate simulation

Conservative Form

Non-Conservative Form

Observation

Here by observing the above plots we could see that both the forms are in the same phase giving the exact same solution for all the values.

Mass Flow rate at different time steps

Conservative Form

Non-Conservative Form

Observation

The above plots show that Mass Flow Rate at different Time steps along the Distance oscillates initially, however the solution becomes stable after the 400th Timestep for both the forms attaining a constant value.

Comparison plot between Conservative Form and Non conservative Form of Normalized Mass Flow Rate

Even though the final solution of both the forms is almost similar, the Non-Conservative form oscillates much when compared to the Conservative form. The latter also gives an almost stable solution along the length. By this, we can conclude that the Conservative form attains stability in a lesser number of iterations at the earliest time.

Conclusion-

Cumulating all the above results we can evidently conclude that the Conservative form converges slightly faster than the Non-Conservative form offering a stable solution along the simulation. Yet both forms are dependable in calculating the solutions which are almost precise.

Week 7 - Simulation of a 1D Supersonic nozzle flow simulation using Macormack Method

Ship work like this
in your own course.

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Ship work like thisin your own course.

Talk to a career counsellor

Ship work like this
in your own course.