Immersed Boundary Methods: Historical Perspective and Future Outlook

Immersed boundary methods (IBMs) are versatile and efficient computational techniques to solve flow problems in complex geometric configurations that retain the simplicity efficiency of Cartesian structured meshes. Although these became known 1970s gained credibility only new millennium, they had already been conceived implemented at beginning 1960s, even if early computers those times did not allow researchers exploit their potential. Nowadays IBMs established numerical schemes employed for solution many which fluid mechanics may account part multiphysics dynamics. Despite indisputable advantages, also have drawbacks, each problem should be carefully analyzed before deciding particular IBM implementation is most suitable whether additional modeling necessary. High–Reynolds number flows constitute one main limitations owing resolution thin wall shear layers, cannot benefit from anisotropic grid refinement boundaries. To alleviate this weakness, developed IBM-compliant models local strategies, although cases possible pitfalls must considered.