Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “implicit meshing”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Implicit Preconditioning for Explicit Multigrid Solvers on Cut-Cell Cartesian Meshes

This work assesses the effectiveness of linearized implicit Euler preconditioning for multigrid solvers using an unpreconditioned, Jacobian-free Newton Krylov method to converge the linear system of equations. Multigrid convergence rates improve to approximately 0.75 across the cases tested including a Mach 2 supersonic wedge, transonic NACA 0012 airfoil, and ONERA M6 wing. While larger Krylov subspaces increase the convergence rate, they also increase the computational cost, such that 4-8 Krylov vectors often offers the fastest turnaround. Further reductions in computational cost are achieved with a sequential hybrid preconditioner that begins with the explicit multigrid solver before transitioning to the preconditioned algorithm later on. In addition, a novel implementation of dual time stepping is extended to include both common BDF methods as well as high-order implicit Runge-Kutta schemes. This particular formulation, which uses A −1 preconditioning, is amenable to matrix-free solvers, and the L-stable methods are especially suited for meshes with arbitrarily small cut-cells. Asymptotic order of convergence is demonstrated for BDF1, BDF2, SDIRK2, and 3rd-order Radau IIA time integration with unsteady 2D vortex simulations.

ARMD↗

Unsteady Navier-Stokes computations over airfoils using both fixed and dynamic meshes

A finite volume implicit approximate factorization method which solves the thin layer Navier-Stokes equations was used to predict unsteady turbulent flow airfoil behavior. At a constant angle of attack of 16 deg, the NACA 0012 airfoil exhibits an unsteady periodic flow field with the lift coefficient oscillating between 0.89 and 1.60. The Strouhal number is 0.028. Results are similar at 18 deg, with a Strouhal number of 0.033. A leading edge vortex is shed periodically near maximum lift. Dynamic mesh solutions for unstalled airfoil flows show general agreement with experimental pressure coefficients. However, moment coefficients and the maximum lift value are underpredicted. The deep stall case shows some agreement with experiment for increasing angle of attack, but is only qualitatively comparable past stall and for decreasing angle of attack.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗

Some numerical and physical aspects of unsteady Navier-Stokes computations over airfoils using dynamic meshes

An upwind-biased implicit approximate factorization algorithm is applied to several unsteady flows on dynamic meshes. The thin-layer form of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations is used to solve both laminar and turbulent flows over airfoils pitching about the quarter chord. Numerical aspects of the solutions are investigated, including grid and time step effects. Two methods for determining fluxes - flux-vector splitting and flux-difference splitting - are compared. Flux-difference splitting predicts results more accurately than flux-vector splitting on a coarse mesh, but both methods agree on a fine mesh. Physical aspects of the computations are also examined. An equilibrium turbulent boundary layer model computes generally better unsteady results in comparison with experiment than a nonequilibrium model for the transonic case analyzed. Also, the size and location of the primary shed vortex for an airfoil pitching up at a constant rate is calculated in good agreement with experiment for two pitch rates.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗

Algebraic surface design and finite element meshes

Some of the techniques are summarized which are used in constructing C sup 0 and C sup 1 continuous meshes of low degree, implicitly defined, algebraic surface patches in three dimensional space. These meshes of low degree algebraic surface patches are used to construct accurate computer models of physical objects. These meshes are also used in the finite element simulation of physical phenomena (e.g., heat dissipation, stress/strain distributions, fluid flow characteristics) required in the computer prototyping of both the manufacturability and functionality of the geometric design.

Bajaj, Chandrajit L.↗

Implicit upwind-Euler solution algorithms for unstructured-grid applications

The development of implicit upwind algorithms for the solution of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Euler equations on unstructured tetrahedral meshes is described. The implicit temporal discretization involves either a two-sweep Gauss-Seide relaxation procedure, a two-sweep Point-Jacobi relaxation procedure, or a single-sweep Point-Implicit procedure; the upwind spatial discretization is based on the flux-difference splitting of Roe. Detailed descriptions of the three implicit solution algorithms are given, and calculations for the Boeing 747 transport configuration are presented to demonstrate the algorithms. Advantages and disadvantages of the implicit algorithms are discussed. A steady-state solution for the 747 configuration, obtained at transonic flow conditions using a mesh of over 100,000 cells, required less than one hour of CPU time on a Cray-2 computer, thus demonstrating the speed and robustness of the general capability.

Batina, John T.↗

Implicit upwind-Euler solution algorithms for unstructured-grid applications

The development of implicit upwind algorithms for the solution of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Euler equations on unstructured tetrahdral meshes is described. The implicit temporal discretization involves either a two-sweep Gauss-Seidel relaxation procedure, a two-sweep Point-Jacobi relaxation procedure, or a single-sweep Point-Implicit procedure; the upwind spatial discretization is based on the flux-difference splitting of Roe. Detailed descriptions of the three implicit solution algorithms are given, and calculations for the Boeing 747 transport configuration are presented to demonstrate the algorithms. Advantages and disadvantages of the implicit algorithms are discussed. A steady-state solution for the 747 configuration, obtained at transonic flow conditions using s mesh of over 100,000 cells, required less than one hour of CPU time on a Cray-2 computer, thus demonstrating the speed and robustness of the general capability.

Batina, John T.↗

A Level Set Model for Structured Mesh Representation of Fibrous Preforms used in Composites Manufacturing

Here, a model for implicit representation of fibrous and woven preforms used for composites manufacturing is described. The method is based on a level set function defined on a structured mesh to implicitly capture the complex fiber and weave geometries. Since most software packages used to model woven preforms are based on unstructured mesh, a numerical model for transforming a discretized surface to a structured mesh representation and vice-a-versa is presented. Specific emphasis is on scalable computation of a level set function for large and complex 3D woven structures from a triangulated surface of the smallest unit (yarn). The model is applied to capture a periodic 3D layered 5-harness satin (5HS) weave geometry on a structured mesh. Geometric transformations needed to efficiently compute the level set function for the 3D structure on a high resolution mesh are described. Effects of mesh resolution on the geometric features such as number of resolved fibers, effective fiber size, and the surface area to volume ratio of the iso-surface are analyzed. Using the distance property of the level set function, an approach to evaluate the structure function resulting from transient evolving topology representing densification due to matrix phase depositions is also presented. The approach captures transition of the geometric characteristic from fiber governed at early stages of densification to yarn governed at the terminal stage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An implicit form for the Osher upwind scheme

Conservative upwind schemes for the Euler equations, such as the Osher scheme, accurately resolve flow discontinuities and correctly model the physics of the problem. However, these schemes require many more arithmetic operations per integration step than simple central-difference schemes and hence result in large computing times. An implicit version of the first-order- and second-order-accurate Osher schemes in two spatial dimensions and generalized coordinates is developed in this study. Because implicit schemes permit the use of large integration steps, in many cases they require fewer integration steps to reach steady-state (especially in calculations on grids with widely varying mesh-cell sizes). The implicit scheme developed in this study accelerated convergence speeds by almost an order of magnitude in the problems considered. Test cases include quasi-one-dimensional nozzle flow and supersonic flow past a cylinder.

Rai, M. M.↗

Multigrid Strategies for Viscous Flow Solvers on Anisotropic Unstructured Meshes

Unstructured multigrid techniques for relieving the stiffness associated with high-Reynolds number viscous flow simulations on extremely stretched grids are investigated. One approach consists of employing a semi-coarsening or directional-coarsening technique, based on the directions of strong coupling within the mesh, in order to construct more optimal coarse grid levels. An alternate approach is developed which employs directional implicit smoothing with regular fully coarsened multigrid levels. The directional implicit smoothing is obtained by constructing implicit lines in the unstructured mesh based on the directions of strong coupling. Both approaches yield large increases in convergence rates over the traditional explicit full-coarsening multigrid algorithm. However, maximum benefits are achieved by combining the two approaches in a coupled manner into a single algorithm. An order of magnitude increase in convergence rate over the traditional explicit full-coarsening algorithm is demonstrated, and convergence rates for high-Reynolds number viscous flows which are independent of the grid aspect ratio are obtained. Further acceleration is provided by incorporating low-Mach-number preconditioning techniques, and a Newton-GMRES strategy which employs the multigrid scheme as a preconditioner. The compounding effects of these various techniques on speed of convergence is documented through several example test cases.

Movriplis, Dimitri J.↗

A new numerical method for the simulation of three dimensional flow in a pipe

A new numerical technique for simulating three dimensional, unsteady, incompressible pipe flows is presented and its utility and accuracy is shown. Each vector function in the expansion of the velocity field is divergence free and satisfies the boundary conditions for viscous flow. Some of the benefits of the expansion technique are that pressure is eliminated from the dynamics, only two unknowns per mesh point are required, implicit treatment of the viscous terms is provided at no extra computational cost, and no fractional time steps are required. The method uses spectral expansions: Fourier series in the azimuthal and streamwise directions, and Jacobi polynominals in the radial direction.

Leonard, A.↗

A new numerical method for the simulation of three-dimensional flow in a pipe

A new numerical technique for simulating three dimensional, unsteady, incompressible pipe flows is presented and its utility and accuracy is shown. Each vector function in the expansion of the velocity field is divergence free and satisfies the boundary conditions for viscous flow. Some of the benefits of the expansion technique are that pressure is eliminated from the dynamics, only two unknowns per mesh point are required, implicit treatment of the viscous terms is provided at no extra computational cost, and no fractional time steps are required. The method uses spectral expansions: Fourier series in the azimuthal and streamwise directions, and Jacobi polynominals in the radial direction. Previously announced in STAR as N82-31644

Leonard, A.↗

Mathematical model for the Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growing system

In a major technical breakthrough, a computer model for Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth was developed. The model includes melt convection, solute effects, thermal conduction in the ampule, melt, and crystal, and the determination of the curved moving crystal-melt interface. The key to the numerical method is the use of a nonuniform computational mesh which moves with the interface, so that the interface is a mesh surface. In addition, implicit methods are used for advection and diffusion of heat, concentration, and vorticity, for interface movement, and for internal gracity waves. This allows large time-steps without loss of stability or accuracy. Numerical results are presented for the interface shape, temperature distribution, and concentration distribution, in steady-state crystl growth. Solutions are presented for two test cases using water, with two different salts in solution. The two diffusivities differ by a factor of ten, and the concentrations differ by a factor of twenty.

Roberts, G. O.↗

Analysis of electrophoresis performance

A flexible efficient computer code is being developed to simulate electrophoretic separation phenomena, in either a cylindrical or a rectangular geometry. The code will computer the evolution in time of the concentrations of an arbitrary number of chemical species, and of the temperature, pH distribution, conductivity, electric field, and fluid motion. Use of nonuniform meshes and fast accurate implicit time-stepping will yield accurate answers at economical cost.

Roberts, Glyn O.↗

Numerical simulations in combustion

This paper reviews numerical simulations in reacting flows in general and combustion phenomena in particular. It is shown that use of implicit schemes and/or adaptive mesh strategies can improve convergence, stability, and accuracy of the solution. Difficulties increase as turbulence and multidimensions are considered, particularly when finite-rate chemistry governs the given combustion problem. Particular attention is given to the areas of solid-propellant combustion dynamics, turbulent diffusion flames, and spray droplet vaporization.

Chung, T. J.↗

Numerical simulation of the reactive flow in advanced (HSR) combustors using KIVA-2

Recent work has been done with the goal of establishing ultralow emission aircraft gas turbine combustors. A significant portion of the effort is the development of three dimensional computational combustor models. The KIVA-II computer code which is based on the Implicit Continuous Eulerian Difference mesh Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ICED-ALE) numerical scheme is one of the codes selected by NASA to achieve these goals. This report involves a simulation of jet injection through slanted slots within the Rich burn/Quick quench/Lean burn (RQL) baseline experimental rig. The RQL combustor distinguishes three regions of combustion. This work specifically focuses on modeling the quick quench mixer region in which secondary injection air is introduced radially through 12 equally spaced slots around the mixer circumference. Steady state solutions are achieved with modifications to the KIVA-II program. Work currently underway will evaluate thermal mixing as a function of injection air velocity and angle of inclination of the slots.

Winowich, Nicholas S.↗

A solution-adaptive hybrid-grid method for the unsteady analysis of turbomachinery

A solution-adaptive method for the time-accurate analysis of two-dimensional flows in turbomachinery is described. The method employs a hybrid structured-unstructured zonal grid topology in conjunction with appropriate modeling equations and solution techniques in each zone. The viscous flow region in the immediate vicinity of the airfoils is resolved on structured O-type grids while the rest of the domain is discretized using an unstructured mesh of triangular cells. Implicit, third-order accurate, upwind solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained in the inner regions. In the outer regions, the Euler equations are solved using an explicit upwind scheme that incorporates a second-order reconstruction procedure. An efficient and robust grid adaptation strategy, including both grid refinement and coarsening capabilities, is developed for the unstructured grid regions. Grid adaptation is also employed to facilitate information transfer at the interfaces between unstructured grids in relative motion. Results for grid adaptation to various features pertinent to turbomachinery flows are presented. Good comparisons between the present results and experimental measurements and earlier structured-grid results are obtained.

Mathur, Sanjay R.↗

CFD Analysis and Design Optimization Using Parallel Computers

A versatile and efficient multi-block method is presented for the simulation of both steady and unsteady flow, as well as aerodynamic design optimization of complete aircraft configurations. The compressible Euler and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are discretized using a high resolution scheme on body-fitted structured meshes. An efficient multigrid implicit scheme is implemented for time-accurate flow calculations. Optimum aerodynamic shape design is achieved at very low cost using an adjoint formulation. The method is implemented on parallel computing systems using the MPI message passing interface standard to ensure portability. The results demonstrate that, by combining highly efficient algorithms with parallel computing, it is possible to perform detailed steady and unsteady analysis as well as automatic design for complex configurations using the present generation of parallel computers.

Martinelli, Luigi↗