Efficient implicit algorithm for the equations of 2-D viscous compressible flow: application to shock-boundary layer interaction

A fully implicit algorithm has been developed to time integrate the equations of 2-D compressible viscous flow. The algorithm was constructed so as to optimize computational efficiency. The time-consuming block matrix inversions usually associated with implicit algorithms have been reduced to the trivial non-iterative inversion of four sets of scalar bidiagonal matrices. Thus, the algorithm requires virtually no more computer storage than an explicit algorithm. The efficient structure of the implicit algorithm is reflected in comparative timings which slow that it requires only a factor of two more computer time per point per time step than a typical explicit algorithm. Therefore, the algorithm allows more economical solution of given flows than existing explicit methods and also allows more difficult problems to be attempted using available computer resources. Application of the algorithm to the problem of shock-boundary layer interaction produces results consistent with both experimental measurements and other calculations.