Modeling low Reynolds number incompressible flows with curved boundaries using SPH

In this paper, a method that can be used to model low Reynolds number incompressible flows with curved boundaries using SPH was presented. In contrast to that usually used for the flows with flat and straight boundaries, the hydrostatic pressure gradient is treated as a variable body force in this method, and thus, it can be applied to simulate the flows with curved boundaries. Three numerical examples of low Reynolds number incompressible flows, including Poiseuille flow, flow in a section of blood vessel with a local expansion, and flow between inclined plates were calculated to test the method. The results obtained with the proposed method were in good agreement with the analytical solutions. It implies that the method presented in this paper can be successfully used to simulate low Reynolds number incompressible flows not only with flat and straight boundaries but also with curved boundaries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.