Modeling the gravitational field by using CFD techniques

Abstract A harmonic scalar field has a Laplacian (i.e., both source-free and curl-free) gradient vector vice versa. Despite the good performance of spherical series on modeling gravitational generated by spheroidal bodies (e.g., Earth), may diverge inside Brillouin sphere enclosing all field-generating mass. Divergence realistically occur when determining fields asteroids or comets that have complex shapes, which is known as complex-boundary value problem (CBVP). To overcome this weakness, we propose new spatial-domain numerical method based equivalence transformation well in fluid dynamics community: potential-flow velocity force are equivalent mathematical sense, referring to field. The abandons perturbation theory Laplace equation, and, instead, derives governing equation boundary condition potential flow from conservation laws mass, momentum energy. Correspondingly, computational (CFD) techniques introduced solving scheme. We apply novel approach comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko an irregular shape. validated closed-loop simulation comparing result with direct integration Newton’s formula. Both methods consistent relative magnitude discrepancy at percentage level small directional difference root-mean-square $$0.78^{\circ }$$ 0 . 78 ∘ . Moreover, property flow’s proved mathematically. From theoretical practical points view, able divergence hence, for CBVPs.