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At least 343 records · Page 19

Simulation of Methane Oxycombustion in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The Allam-Fetvedt Cycle (AFC) offers the potential for electricity generation with minimal or even negative carbon emissions by using oxycombustion in supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2). Because of the extreme high temperatures and pressures encountered in these systems, simulation of oxycombustion requires use of a complex equation of state such as the modified Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) equation, coupled with equally complex correlations for transport properties. The current work simulates a model combustor using both an ideal gas equation of state and the SRK equation of state. The model combustor features a jet of CH4 mixing with and reacting with O2 in the sCO2 ambient. Two jet configurations are considered: one of pure CH4, and one of CH4 mixed with sCO2. Comparison of results shows that key output properties such as combustor temperature and flow distribution are impacted by the choice of equations of state. Inspection of simulation results shows that mixing and reaction rates, as well as the uniformity of the flow, are impacted by the choice of equation of state. These results show that even though use of a complex equation of state greatly increases the computational costs of these simulations, it is critical to accurately capturing the physics of these systems.

computational fluid dynamics↗

Cosmological consequences of first-order general-relativistic viscous fluid dynamics

In this work, we investigate the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of viscous fluids in a spatially flat Friedmann-LemaîtreRobertson-Walker cosmology using the most general causal and stable viscous energy-momentum tensor defined at first order in spacetime derivatives. In this new framework a pressureless viscous fluid having equilibrium energy density ρ can evolve to an asymptotic future solution in which the Hubble parameter approaches a constant while ρ → 0, even in the absence of a cosmological constant (i.e., Λ = 0). Thus, while viscous effects in this model drive an accelerated expansion of the universe, the equilibrium energy density itself vanishes, leaving behind only the acceleration. This behavior emerges as a consequence of causality in first-order theories of relativistic fluid dynamics and it is fully consistent with Einstein’s equations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Microstructure of the solar wind

In this review microstructure is understood to summarize the dynamical properties of the solar wind that enter the fluid equations, usually employed to describe the overall flow, only in one or the other averaged form. Thus, first a description of the kinetic picture of the solar wind is given; it mainly involves the structure of the particle distributions in velocity space and associated instabilities. Waves and discontinuities are discussed next. Two selected examples are mentioned where the effects of waves and discontinuities play a role. Specific physical properties of the interplanetary magnetic irregularity spectrum and its relevance for cosmic ray propagation are discussed at the end.

Voelk, H. J.↗

A view toward future fluid dynamics computing

Advances in computational fluid dynamics are paced by simulation methodology and computer resources. Examples of three-dimensional fluid dynamic simulations are presented to illustrate recent developments in equation modeling and numerical methods and to point out the need for increased computer power. Electronic technology dictates that to fill this need, computers will be based on parallel processing principles. The identification of parallelism in three dimensions is illustrated by examining an implicit, approximate-factorization approach to the Navier-Stokes equations. Finally, two computer concepts aimed at satisfying the demands of the three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are discussed.

Bailey, F. R.↗

Implicit finite difference methods on composite grids

Techniques for eliminating time lags in the implicit finite-difference solution of partial differential equations are investigated analytically, with a focus on transient fluid dynamics problems on overlapping multicomponent grids. The fundamental principles of the approach are explained, and the method is shown to be applicable to both rectangular and curvilinear grids. Numerical results for sample problems are compared with exact solutions in graphs, and good agreement is demonstrated.

Mastin, C. Wayne↗

A Step Towards CO2-Neutral Aviation

An approximation method for evaluation of the caloric equations used in combustion chemistry simulations is described. The method is applied to generate the equations of specific heat, static enthalpy, and Gibb's free energy for fuel mixtures of interest to gas turbine engine manufacturers. Liquid-phase fuel properties are also derived. The fuels include JP-8, synthetic fuel, and two fuel blends consisting of a mixture of JP-8 and synthetic fuel. The complete set of fuel property equations for both phases are implemented into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow solver database, and multi-phase, reacting flow simulations of a well-tested liquid-fueled combustor are performed. The simulations are a first step in understanding combustion system performance and operational issues when using alternate fuels, at practical engine operating conditions.

Brankovic, Andreja↗

A Step Towards CO2-Neutral Aviation

An approximation method for evaluation of the caloric equations used in combustion chemistry simulations is described. The method is applied to generate the equations of specific heat, static enthalpy, and Gibb's free energy for fuel mixtures of interest to gas turbine engine manufacturers. Liquid-phase fuel properties are also derived. The fuels investigated include JP-8, synthetic fuel, and two blends of JP-8 and synthetic fuel. The complete set of fuel property equations for both phases are implemented into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow solver database, and multiphase, reacting flow simulations of a well-tested liquid-fueled combustor are performed. The simulations are a first step in understanding combustion system performance and operational issues when using alternate fuels, at practical engine operating conditions.

Brankovic, Andreja↗

Solutions of the Taylor-Green Vortex Problem Using High-Resolution Explicit Finite Difference Methods

A computational fluid dynamics code that solves the compressible Navier-Stokes equations was applied to the Taylor-Green vortex problem to examine the code s ability to accurately simulate the vortex decay and subsequent turbulence. The code, WRLES (Wave Resolving Large-Eddy Simulation), uses explicit central-differencing to compute the spatial derivatives and explicit Low Dispersion Runge-Kutta methods for the temporal discretization. The flow was first studied and characterized using Bogey & Bailley s 13-point dispersion relation preserving (DRP) scheme. The kinetic energy dissipation rate, computed both directly and from the enstrophy field, vorticity contours, and the energy spectra are examined. Results are in excellent agreement with a reference solution obtained using a spectral method and provide insight into computations of turbulent flows. In addition the following studies were performed: a comparison of 4th-, 8th-, 12th- and DRP spatial differencing schemes, the effect of the solution filtering on the results, the effect of large-eddy simulation sub-grid scale models, and the effect of high-order discretization of the viscous terms.

DeBonis, James R.↗

A Study of Flow Separation in Transonic Flow Using Inviscid and Viscous Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Schemes

A comparison of flow separation in transonic flows is made using various computational schemes which solve the Euler and the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid mechanics. The flows examined are computed using several simple two-dimensional configurations including a backward facing step and a bump in a channel. Comparison of the results obtained using shock fitting and flux vector splitting methods are presented and the results obtained using the Euler codes are compared to results on the same configurations using a code which solves the Navier-Stokes equations.

Rhodes, J. A.↗

CFD for applications to aircraft aeroelasticity

Strong interactions of structures and fluids are common in many engineering environments. Such interactions can give rise to physically important phenomena such as those occurring for aircraft due to aeroelasticity. Aeroelasticity can significantly influence the safe performance of aircraft. At present exact methods are available for making aeroelastic computations when flows are in either the linear subsonic or supersonic range. However, for complex flows containing shock waves, vortices and flow separations, computational methods are still under development. Several phenomena that can be dangerous and limit the performance of an aircraft occur due to the interaction of these complex flows with flexible aircraft components such as wings. For example, aircraft with highly swept wings experience vortex induced aeroelastic oscillations. Correct understanding of these complex aeroelastic phenomena requires direct coupling of fluids and structural equations. Here, a summary is presented of the development of such coupled methods and applications to aeroelasticity since about 1978 to present. The successful use of the transonic small perturbation theory (TSP) coupled with structures is discussed. This served as a major stepping stone for the current stage of aeroelasticity using computational fluid dynamics. The need for the use of more exact Euler/Navier-Stokes (ENS) equations for aeroelastic problems is explained. The current development of unsteady aerodynamic and aeroelastic procedures based on the ENS equations are discussed. Aeroelastic results computed using both TSP and ENS equations are discussed.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗

Effectiveness of Flow Control for Alleviation of Twin-Tail Buffet

Effectiveness of active flow control for twin- tail buffet alleviation is investigated. Tangen- tial leading-edge blowing (TLEB) and flow suction along the vortex cores (FSVC) of the lead- ing edges of the delta wing are used to delay the vortex breakdown flow upstream of the twin tail. The combined effect of the TLEB and FSVC is also investigated. A parametric study of the effects of the spanwise position of the suction tubes and volumetric suction flow rate on the twin-tail buffet response are also investigated. The TLEB moves the path of leading-edge vortices laterally towards the twin tail, which increases the aero- dynamic damping on the tails. The FSVC effectively delays the breakdown location at high angles of attack. The computational model consists of a sharp-edged delta wing of aspect ratio one and swept-back flexible twin tail with taper ratio of 0.23. This complex multidisciplinary problem is solved sequentially using three sets of equations for the fluid flow, aeroelastic response and grid deformation, on a dynamic multi-block grid structure. The computational model is pitched at 30 deg. angle of attack. The freestream Mach number and Reynolds number are 0.3 and 1.25 million, respectively. The model is investigated for the inboard position of the twin tails, which corresponds to a separation distance between the twin tails of 33% of the wing span.

Sheta, Essam F.↗

Large-scale computations in fluid mechanics; Proceedings of the Fifteenth Summer Seminar on Applied Mathematics, University of California, La Jolla, CA, June 27-July 8, 1983. Parts 1 & 2

Papers are presented on such topics as the use of semi-Lagrangian advective schemes in meteorological modeling; computation with high-resolution upwind schemes for hyperbolic equations; dynamics of flame propagation in a turbulent field; a modified finite element method for solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations; computational fusion magnetohydrodynamics; and a nonoscillatory shock capturing scheme using flux-limited dissipation. Consideration is also given to the use of spectral techniques in numerical weather prediction; numerical methods for the incorporation of mountains in atmospheric models; techniques for the numerical simulation of large-scale eddies in geophysical fluid dynamics; high-resolution TVD schemes using flux limiters; upwind-difference methods for aerodynamic problems governed by the Euler equations; and an MHD model of the earth's magnetosphere.

Engquist, B. E.↗

Two-Step Multi-Physics Analysis of an Annular Linear Induction Pump for Fission Power Systems

One of the key technologies associated with fission power systems (FPS) is the annular linear induction pump (ALIP). ALIPs are used to circulate liquid-metal fluid for transporting thermal energy from the nuclear reactor to the power conversion device. ALIPs designed and built to date for FPS project applications have not performed up to expectations. A unique, two-step approach was taken toward the multi-physics examination of an ALIP using ANSYS Maxwell 3D and Fluent. This multi-physics approach was developed so that engineers could investigate design variations that might improve pump performance. Of interest was to determine if simple geometric modifications could be made to the ALIP components with the goal of increasing the Lorentz forces acting on the liquid-metal fluid, which in turn would increase pumping capacity. The multi-physics model first calculates the Lorentz forces acting on the liquid metal fluid in the ALIP annulus. These forces are then used in a computational fluid dynamics simulation as (a) internal boundary conditions and (b) source functions in the momentum equations within the Navier-Stokes equations. The end result of the two-step analysis is a predicted pump pressure rise that can be compared with experimental data.

Fission Power Systems↗

Two-Step Multi-Physics Analysis of an Annular Linear Induction Pump for Fission Power Systems

One of the key technologies associated with fission power systems (FPS) is the annular linear induction pump (ALIP). ALIPs are used to circulate liquid-metal fluid for transporting thermal energy from the nuclear reactor to the power conversion device. ALIPs designed and built to date for FPS project applications have not performed up to expectations. A unique, two-step approach was taken toward the multi-physics examination of an ALIP using ANSYS Maxwell 3D and Fluent. This multi-physics approach was developed so that engineers could investigate design variations that might improve pump performance. Of interest was to determine if simple geometric modifications could be made to the ALIP components with the goal of increasing the Lorentz forces acting on the liquid-metal fluid, which in turn would increase pumping capacity. The multi-physics model first calculates the Lorentz forces acting on the liquid metal fluid in the ALIP annulus. These forces are then used in a computational fluid dynamics simulation as (a) internal boundary conditions and (b) source functions in the momentum equations within the Navier-Stokes equations. The end result of the two-step analysis is a predicted pump pressure rise that can be compared with experimental data.

Fission Power Systems↗

An efficient procedure for computing partial ionization of a gas in numerical fluid dynamics

A numerical procedure is described that allows efficient solution for the three nonlinear and implicit equations of state relating the equilibrium properties of a partially (and singly) ionized neutral gas. In the computation, the values for the intensive variables, that is pressure, temperature and ionization coefficient, are iteratively obtained with a given accuracy starting from assigned values for energy and volume per unit mass. Iterative computation is performed only when the value for the ionization coefficient lies within the lower and the upper bounds fixed by the required number of significant digits; otherwise the two explicit equations of state for nonionized or for fully ionized gases are employed.

Garribba, S.↗

On the utility of finite element theory for computational fluid dynamics

An implicit finite element numerical solution algorithm is derived for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations expressed in generalized coordinates. The theoretical basis utilizes a Galerkin-Weighted Residuals formulation, and extremization of approximation error within the context of a multipole expansion. A von Neumann analysis for a simplified form indicates the algorithm fourth- to sixth-order phase accurate, with third-order dissipation for the elementary linear element construction. Performance is improved for the algorithm constructed using quadratic interpolation. Numerical experiments for shocked duct flows are employed to optimize the several algorithm parameters. Additional numerical solutions validate algorithm accuracy and utility for aerodynamics applications.

Baker, A. J.↗

Scientific machine learning for modeling and simulating complex fluids

The formulation of rheological constitutive equations—models that relate internal stresses and deformations in complex fluids—is a critical step in the engineering of systems involving soft materials. While data-driven models provide accessible alternatives to expensive first-principles models and less accurate empirical models in many engineering disciplines, the development of similar models for complex fluids has lagged. The diversity of techniques for characterizing non-Newtonian fluid dynamics creates a challenge for classical machine learning approaches, which require uniformly structured training data. Consequently, early machine-learning based constitutive equations have not been portable between different deformation protocols or mechanical observables. Here, we present a data-driven framework that resolves such issues, allowing rheologists to construct learnable models that incorporate essential physical information, while remaining agnostic to details regarding particular experimental protocols or flow kinematics. These scientific machine learning models incorporate a universal approximator within a materially objective tensorial constitutive framework. By construction, these models respect physical constraints, such as frame-invariance and tensor symmetry, required by continuum mechanics. We demonstrate that this framework facilitates the rapid discovery of accurate constitutive equations from limited data and that the learned models may be used to describe more kinematically complex flows. This inherent flexibility admits the application of these “digital fluid twins” to a range of material systems and engineering problems. We illustrate this flexibility by deploying a trained model within a multidimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation—a task that is not achievable using any previously developed data-driven rheological equation of state.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Optimal renormalization of multiscale systems

While model order reduction is a promising approach in dealing with multi-scale time-dependent systems that are too large or too expensive to simulate for long times, the resulting reduced order models can suffer from instabilities. We have recently developed a time-dependent renormalization approach to stabilize such reduced models. In the current work, we extend this framework by introducing a parameter that controls the time-decay of the memory of such models and optimally selecting this parameter based on limited fully resolved simulations. First, we demonstrate our framework on the inviscid Burgers equation whose solution develops a finite-time singularity. Our renormalized reduced order models are stable and accurate for long times while using for their calibration only data from a full order simulation before the occurrence of the singularity. Furthermore, we apply this framework to the 3D Euler equations of incompressible fluid flow, where the problem of finite-time singularity formation is still open and where brute force simulation is only feasible for short times. Our approach allows us to obtain for the first time a perturbatively renormalizable model which is stable for long times and includes all the complex effects present in the 3D Euler dynamics. We find that, in each application, the renormalization coefficients display algebraic decay with increasing resolution, and that the parameter which controls the time-decay of the memory is problem-dependent.

Price, Jacob↗