Solving the Small Disturbance Equation and Numerical Method Optimization in Subsonic and Supersonic Flows

Abstract

This paper addresses the solution of the Small Disturbance Equation (SDE) under subsonic and supersonic flow conditions using Successive Over-Relaxation (SOR) techniques. The study implements and validates numerical methods tailored to the unique dynamics of these regimes by setting precise boundary conditions, adjusting computational stencils, and managing the Mach number ( M∞ ) across the solution domain. A detailed comparison of streamline patterns between the regimes illustrates the efficacy of the applied numerical strategies. In the subsonic domain, the flow demonstrates uniform and smooth characteristics, conducive to standard SOR techniques, as evidenced by the rapid decline in residual errors, confirming the method’s efficiency for accurate solutions. Conversely, the supersonic regime presents increased complexity where standard finite difference methods encounter notable challenges, necessitating more sophisticated approaches to capture the intricate flow behaviors effectively. Conversely, in the supersonic regime, where the flow behavior exhibits more complex characteristics, the standard finite difference method faces challenges.