Modelling and simulation of a Savonius rotor using the boundary element method

The Boundary Element Method (BEM) is a very effective technique for solving complex domain and moving boundary problems, because it only involves calculations on the boundary thus reducing the processing time. For nonlinear and time dependent problems the BEM method presents some domain integrals that can be transformed into equivalent boundary integrals by the dual reciprocity approach applied in a subdomain basis; this method is known as Multi Domain Dual Reciprocity MD-DRM. In this paper some flow examples with moving boundaries will be solved using the MD-DRM method to predict particle trajectories and in particular the simulation of a Savonius rotor with a more complex geometry will be carried out to predict the velocity field, tractions and torque in this equipment.