On the role of tensor interpolation in solving high-WI viscoelastic fluid flow

The high Weissenberg number (Wi) problem (HWNP) has long been a challenge of viscoelastic fluid flow simulation. This Letter points out that the tensor interpolation method during solving the differential constitutive equations is the main origin of the loss of symmetric positive-definite (SPD) property of the conformation tensor, which is the trigger of the HWNP. Instead of component-based interpolation, we propose a tensor-based interpolation method for the conformation tensor, which is essentially SPD, and the results show that this method is very effective in dealing with the HWNP by significantly improving the numerical accuracy on the invariants of conformation tensor as well as greatly improving the SPD property of the conformation tensor. Moreover, the high-order total variation diminishing schemes can also be easily constructed and applied to solve high-Wi viscoelastic fluid flow under the proposed framework without adding artificial diffusion.

Automated summary

This study points out that the tensor interpolation method is the main cause of the loss of symmetric positive-definite (SPD) property of the conformation tensor, leading to the high Weissenberg number (Wi) problem (HWNP). Instead of component-based interpolation, a tensor-based interpolation method is proposed, which significantly improves the numerical accuracy and SPD property of the conformation tensor in dealing with the HWNP. Furthermore, high-order total variation diminishing schemes can be easily constructed and applied without artificial diffusion under the proposed framework to solve high-Wi viscoelastic fluid flow.