Question

Which of these models will directly give the conservative equations suitable for the finite volume method?

(a) Finite control volume moving along with the flow

(b) Finite control volume fixed in space

(c) Infinitesimally small fluid element moving along with the flow

(d) Infinitesimally small fluid element fixed in space

The question was posed to me during an interview.

My question is based upon Finite Volume Method in chapter Finite Volume Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Finite control volume fixed in space

Best explanation: Finite volume method uses the conservation equation in the integral form without any substantial derivative. This can be given by a finite control volume fixed in space. This directly results in the conservative integral form of the governing equations.