A general mass consistency algorithm for hybrid particle/finite-volume PDF methods

An algorithm is devised to maintain a correct spatial distribution of computational particles in hybrid particle/finite-volume (FV) probability density function (PDF) methods for chemically reacting turbulent flows. The approach is, by design, compatible with existing FV computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes that are used to model practical engineering flows in complex geometric configurations. The algorithm is suitable for general three-dimensional incompressible or compressible, steady or time-dependent flows using structured or unstructured, stationary or deforming computational meshes. It is compatible with a variety of element shapes commonly used in research and engineering CFD codes including hexahedra, prisms and tetrahedra. Robustness, accuracy and efficiency of the approach are demonstrated via computations for several two- and three-dimensional steady and unsteady flow configurations using computational meshes that vary in element type and in mesh quality. Both composition PDF and velocity PDF methods are employed. This work broadens the accessibility of PDF methods for practical turbulent combustion systems.