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Introduction

The LAVA-Curvilinear solver, also known as LAVACurv is developed at the NASA Ames Research Center. It solves the Navier-Stokes equations on structured-curvilinear overset grids assuming laminar, Reynolds-Averaging, LES filtering, or hybrid RANS-LES. Steady-state problems are solved using an approximate Newton-Krylov solver with ILU preconditioned GMRES. Unsteady problems are solved using either an implicit dual-time stepping method with options for first or second order backward differencing for time discretization or explicit time-stepping methods like TVD-RK3. The fluid is assumed to obey an ideal gas equation of state of the form:

rho = p/(RGAS*T) and h = Cp*T
where
p     -  Pressure
T     -  Temperature
rho   -  Density
h     -  Enthalpy

Alternative equations of state that can be expressed as a function of pressure and temperature can also be utilized.

A summary of some key features of LAVACurv are given below:

  • Hybrid MPI-OpenMP implementation
  • Parallel I/O for grids, volume, surface, iso-surface, and probe solutions
  • Structured multi-block as well as general overset connectivity is supported
  • 1st through 4th order convective flux discretization options available
  • Implicit and explicit time integration
  • Sliding mesh capabilities for turbomachinery applications (see tutorials)
  • General grid motion via a user defined function also available
  • Discrete adjoint solver as well as design optimization framework for aerodynamic shape optimization (see tutorials)

Details on how to set up your environment and run the LAVACurv solver can be found Setup and Utilities. For a list of supported executables.