The quarterbend: A three-dimensional benchmark problem

We consider an incompressible Newtonian fluid flowing from a long straight channel of square cross-section into a 90° bending channel of the same cross-section. The developing swirling flow that occurs in this geometry is fully 3-D with several interesting features. Two different finite element schemes for the simulation of the 3-D Navier-Stokes equations are used.

One of the methods is designed for use on a workstation, while the other is optimized for use on a vector processor. The convergence of the two methods is investigated, and numbers are given for the use of the flow situation as a 3-D benchmark problem for Re = 0 and 100. Properties of the solution at Re = 500 are also shown.