The field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is in a continual state of advancement due to new numerical techniques, optimization of existing codes, and the increase in memory and processing speeds of computers. In this thesis, the solution technique for a pre-existing Navier-Stokes flow solver is adapted from an explicit Runge Kutta method to a Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss-Seidel (LU-SGS) implicit time integration method. Explicit time integration methods were originally used in CFD codes because these methods require less memory. Information needed to advance the flow in time is localized to each grid point. These explicit methods are, however, restricted by time step sizes due to stability criteria. In contrast, implicit methods are unaffected by a large time step sizes but are restricted by memory requirements due to the complexities of unstructured grids. The implementation of LU-SGS performs grid re-ordering for unstructured meshes because of the coupling of grid points in the integration method's solution. The explicit and implicit flow solvers were tested for inviscid flows in incompressible, compressible, and transoinc flow regimes. The results found by comparing the implicit and explicit algorithms revealed a significant speed up in convergence to steady state by the LU-SGS method in terms of iteration number and CPU time per iteration.

A three dimensional, Navier-Stokes finite volume flow solver which uses Roe&rsquo / s upwind flux differencing scheme for spatial and Runge-Kutta explicit multi-stage time stepping scheme and implicit Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss Seidel (LU-SGS) iteration scheme for temporal discretization on unstructured and hybrid meshes is developed for steady rocket internal viscous flow applications. The spatial accuracy of the solver can be selected as first or second order. Second order accuracy is achieved by piecewise linear reconstruction. Gradients of flow variables required for piecewise linear reconstruction are calculated with both Green-Gauss and Least-Squares approaches. The solver developed is first verified against the three-dimensional viscous laminar flow over flat plate. Then the implicit time stepping algorithms are compared against two rocket motor internal flow problems. Although the solver is intended for internal flows, a test case involving flow over an airfoil is also given. As the last test case, supersonic vortex flow between concentric circular arcs is selected.