A hybrid pressure–density‐based algorithm for the Euler equations at all Mach number regimes

In the present work, we propose a reformulation of the fluxes and interpolation calculations in the PISO method, a well‐known pressure‐correction solver. This new reformulation introduces the AUSM⁺ ? up flux definition as a replacement for the standard Rhie and Chow method of obtaining fluxes and central interpolation of pressure at the control volume faces. This algorithm tries to compatibilize the good efficiency of a pressure based method for low Mach number applications with the advantages of AUSM⁺ ? up at high Mach number flows. The algorithm is carefully validated using exact solutions. Results for subsonic, transonic and supersonic axisymmetric flows in a nozzle are presented and compared with exact analytical solutions. Further, we also present and discuss subsonic, transonic and supersonic results for the well known bump test‐case. The code is also benchmarked against a very tough test‐case for the supersonic and hypersonic flow over a cylinder. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.