STORM

by Adaptive Research

STORM is a general purpose computer program designed to numerically solve the Navier-Stokes equations, which consist of conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy. In addition, it is capable of solving an arbitrary number of general transport equations. STORM uses a finite-volume representation of the governing equations, whereby the continuous problem domain is decomposed into multiple control volumes, and the governing equations are applied to individual control volumes and integrated over the entire computational domain. This algebraic equation set is then solved using general and efficient numerical methods to obtain a solution of the engineering system.

To obtain the greatest possible accuracy, speed, efficiency, and flexibility from STORM, Adaptive Research designed and integrated a number of innovative techniques into the program.

The PISO Algorithm
The PISO (Pressure Implicit with Splitting of Operators) algorithm used by the STORM Solver produces time-accurate calculation results when simulating transient phenomena; results superior to those produced by older finite volume algorithms. To achieve steady-state condition, PISO simply neglects the transient behavior, and marches in large time steps towards the converged solution. A unique algorithm splitting process, coupled with an implicit scheme, makes STORM more computationally efficient, less memory intensive, and more flexible than other finite volume methodologies.

Multiple Coordinate Systems
With STORM Solver, you may choose between Cartesian, Cylindrical-polar, or Body-Fitted coordinate systems to get the power and flexibility demanded by a particular problem. A mesh generated from body-fitted coordinates more exactly represents geometry contours and allows more accurate treatment of boundary and surface conditions in the model. Cartesian and cylindrical systems more simply represent geometry; and can save time in simulations involving less complex geometries or qualitative flow analyses.

High-Order Convection Scheme
STORM Solver lets you select from first, second, or third-order convection schemes, or a hybrid method. For problems where convection is negligible or the transport equations do not have convection terms, the solver provides the option to turn the terms off. The second and third-order schemes produce results with higher accuracy.

Finite-Volume Methodology
Finite-volume treatment of equations in general curvilinear coordinates produces accurate results on any smoothly varying grid-even in the presence of significant non-orthogonality. Using the integral form of equations, the finite-volume methodology enforces conservation.

Mesh Sequencing
In some applications, mesh sequencing improves convergence rates by an order of magnitude or more. STORM Solver provides an interactive mesh density control. With it, you can coarsen or refine the grid during program execution in any or all coordinate directions In response, STORM refines the grid, updates boundary conditions, monitors point location, and interpolates the field solution to the new grid-automatically.