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1 – 10 of 21The concepts of solution error and optimal mesh in adaptive finite element analysis are revisited. It is shown that the correct evaluation of the convergence rate of the error…
Abstract
The concepts of solution error and optimal mesh in adaptive finite element analysis are revisited. It is shown that the correct evaluation of the convergence rate of the error norms involved in the error measure and the optimal mesh criteria chosen are essential to avoid oscillations in the refinement process. Two mesh optimality criteria based on: (a) the equal distribution of global error, and (b) the specific error over the elements are studied and compared in detail through some examples of application.
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J.W. Peterson, B.T. Murray and G.F. Carey
The purpose of this paper is to consider double‐diffusive convection in a heated porous medium saturated with a fluid. Of particular interest is the case where the fluid has a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider double‐diffusive convection in a heated porous medium saturated with a fluid. Of particular interest is the case where the fluid has a stabilizing concentration gradient and small diffusivity.
Design/methodology/approach
A fully‐coupled stabilized finite element scheme and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) methodology are introduced to solve the resulting coupled multiphysics application and resolve fine scale solution features. The code is written on top of the open source finite element library LibMesh, and is suitable for parallel, high‐performance simulations of large‐scale problems.
Findings
The stabilized adaptive finite element scheme is used to compute steady and unsteady onset of convection in a generalized Horton‐Rogers‐Lapwood problem in both two and three‐dimensional domains. A detailed study confirming the applicability of AMR in obtaining the predicted dependence of solutal Nusselt number on Lewis number is given. A semi‐permeable barrier version of the generalized HRL problem is also studied and is believed to present an interesting benchmark for AMR codes owing to the different boundary and internal layers present in the problem. Finally, some representative adaptive results in a complex 3D heated‐pipe geometry are presented.
Originality/value
This work demonstrates the feasibility of stabilized, adaptive finite element schemes for computing simple double‐diffusive flow models, and it represents an easily‐generalizable starting point for more complex calculations since it is based on a highly‐general finite element library. The complementary nature of h‐adaptivity and stabilized finite element techniques for this class of problem is demonstrated using particularly simple error indicators and stabilization parameters. Finally, an interesting double‐diffusive convection benchmark problem having a semi‐permeable barrier is suggested.
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A.A. Polynkine, F. Van Keulen and V.V. Toropov
Presents an approach for optimal design of geometrically non‐linear structures, using adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The optimization technique adopted is based on the…
Abstract
Presents an approach for optimal design of geometrically non‐linear structures, using adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The optimization technique adopted is based on the multi‐point approximation method. The finite element method is used for the structural analysis. Reformulation of the optimal design problem is applied to circumvent complications caused by the non‐linear behaviour of the structure. The latter may lead to bifurcations, limit points and/or significant reduction of the structural stiffness for individual intermediate designs generated by an optimization algorithm. Discretization errors are controlled using AMR. To reduce computational costs, the requested global and local discretization errors are not taken as fixed values but are specified on the basis of the current status of the optimization process. In the beginning relatively large errors are accepted, while as the process progresses discretization errors are reduced. The method is applied to thin‐walled structures with geometrically non‐linear behaviour.
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A. Selman, E. Hinton and W. Atamaz‐Sibai
An adaptive mesh refinement procedure is used in static plate bending finite element analysis to study the edge effects in Mindlin—Reissner plates.
Abstract
An adaptive mesh refinement procedure is used in static plate bending finite element analysis to study the edge effects in Mindlin—Reissner plates.
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Hayri Yigit Akargun and Cuneyt Sert
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate successful use of least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) with h-type mesh refinement and coarsening for the solution of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate successful use of least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) with h-type mesh refinement and coarsening for the solution of two-dimensional, inviscid, compressible flows.
Design/methodology/approach
Unsteady Euler equations are discretized on meshes of linear and quadratic triangular and quadrilateral elements using LSFEM. Backward Euler scheme is used for time discretization. For the refinement of linear triangular elements, a modified version of the simple bisection algorithm is used. Mesh coarsening is performed with the edge collapsing technique. Pressure gradient-based error estimation is used for refinement and coarsening decision. The developed solver is tested with flow over a circular bump, flow over a ramp and flow through a scramjet inlet problems.
Findings
Pressure difference based error estimator, modified simple bisection method for mesh refinement and edge collapsing method for mesh coarsening are shown to work properly with the LSFEM formulation. With the proper use of mesh adaptation, time and effort necessary to prepare a good initial mesh reduces and mesh independency control of the final solution is automatically taken care of.
Originality/value
LSFEM is used for the first time for the solution of inviscid compressible flows with h-type mesh refinement and coarsening on triangular elements. It is shown that, when coupled with mesh adaptation, inherent viscous dissipation of LSFEM technique is no longer an issue for accurate shock capturing without unphysical oscillations.
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Ali Karakus, Tim Warburton, Mehmet Haluk Aksel and Cuneyt Sert
This study aims to focus on the development of a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for the solution of unsteady, incompressible, multiphase flows with level set interface…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the development of a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for the solution of unsteady, incompressible, multiphase flows with level set interface formulation.
Design/methodology/approach
Nodal discontinuous Galerkin discretization is used for incompressible Navier–Stokes, level set advection and reinitialization equations on adaptive unstructured elements. Implicit systems arising from the semi-explicit time discretization of the flow equations are solved with a p-multigrid preconditioned conjugate gradient method, which minimizes the memory requirements and increases overall run-time performance. Computations are localized mostly near the interface location to reduce computational cost without sacrificing the accuracy.
Findings
The proposed method allows to capture interface topology accurately in simulating wide range of flow regimes with high density/viscosity ratios and offers good mass conservation even in relatively coarse grids, while keeping the simplicity of the level set interface modeling. Efficiency, local high-order accuracy and mass conservation of the method are confirmed through distinct numerical test cases of sloshing, dam break and Rayleigh–Taylor instability.
Originality/value
A fully discontinuous Galerkin, high-order, adaptive method on unstructured grids is introduced where flow and interface equations are solved in discontinuous space.
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Dongmei Zhao, Yifan Xia, Haiwen Ge, Qizhao Lin, Jianfeng Zou and Gaofeng Wang
Ignition process is a critical issue in combustion systems. It is particularly important for reliability and safety prospects of aero-engine. This paper aims to numerically…
Abstract
Purpose
Ignition process is a critical issue in combustion systems. It is particularly important for reliability and safety prospects of aero-engine. This paper aims to numerically investigate the burner-to-burner propagation during ignition process in a full annular multiple-injector combustor and then validate it by comparing with experimental results.
Design/methodology/approach
The annular multiple-injector experimental setup features 16 swirling injectors and two quartz tubes providing optical accesses to high-speed imaging of flames. A Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes model, adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) and complete San Diego chemistry are used to predict the ignition process.
Findings
The ignition process shows an overall agreement with experiment. The integrated heat release rate of simulation and the integrated light intensity of experiment is also within reasonable agreement. The flow structure and flame propagation dynamics are carefully analyzed. It is found that the flame fronts propagate symmetrically at an early stage and asymmetrically near merging stage. The flame speed slows down before flame merging. Overall, the numerical results show that the present numerical model can reliably predict the flame propagation during the ignition process.
Originality/value
The dedicated AMR method together with detailed chemistry is used for predicting the unsteady ignition procedure in a laboratory-scale annular combustor for the first time. The validation shows satisfying agreements with the experimental investigations. Some details of flow structures are revealed to explain the characteristics of unsteady flame propagations.
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Milad Azarmanesh, Mousa Farhadi and Pooya Azizian
The purpose of this paper is to present a practical way to create three kinds of double emulsions such as double emulsion, double-component double emulsion and viscoelastic double…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a practical way to create three kinds of double emulsions such as double emulsion, double-component double emulsion and viscoelastic double emulsion.
Design/methodology/approach
A hierarchical T-junction microfluidic device is selected to simulate this phenomenon. A system of the three-phase flows consists of the inner, middle and outer phases were simulated by the direct numerical simulation (DNS) method. The dripping regime is considered for the droplet formation in both T-junctions. The adaptive mesh refinement technique is used to simulate the droplet formation and determine the interface rupture.
Findings
The one-step and two-step encapsulation are used to create the double emulsion and the viscoelastic double emulsion, respectively. In both T-junctions, droplets are created by the balance of three parameters which are instability, viscous drag and pressure buildup. The one-step formation of double emulsion is presented for encapsulates the viscoelastic fluid.
Originality/value
The simulated hierarchical microchannel shows some desirable features for creating the complex compounds. The encapsulation process is simulated in micro-scale that is useful for drug delivery applications.
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Francesco Capizzano and Triyantono Sucipto
This paper aims to describe a research effort towards the comprehension of the unsteady phenomena due to the deployment of high-lift devices at approach/landing conditions.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe a research effort towards the comprehension of the unsteady phenomena due to the deployment of high-lift devices at approach/landing conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The work starts from a preexisting platform based on an immersed boundary (IB) method whose capabilities are extended to study compressible and viscous flows around moving/deforming objects. A hybrid Lagrangian-Eulerian approach is designed to consider the motion of multiple bodies through a fixed Cartesian mesh. That is, the cells’ volumes do not move in space but rather they observe the solid walls crossing themselves. A dynamic discrete forcing makes use of a moving least-square procedure which has been validated by simulating well-known benchmarks available for rigid body motions. Partitioned fluid-structure interactions (FSI) strategies are explored to consider aeroelastic phenomena. A shared platform, between the aerodynamic and the structural solvers, fulfils the loads’ transfer and drives the sequence of the operating steps.
Findings
The first part of the results is devoted to a basic two-dimensional study aiming at evaluating the accuracy of the method when simple rigid motions are prescribed. Afterwards, the paper discusses the solution obtained when applying the dynamic IB method to the rigid deployment of a Krueger-flap. The final section discusses the aeroelastic behaviour of a three-element airfoil during its deployment phase. A loose FSI coupling is applied for estimating the possible loads’ downgrade.
Research limitations/implications
The IB surfaces are allowed to move less than one IB-cell size at each time-step de-facto restricting the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) based on the wall velocity to be smaller than unity. The violation of this constraint would impair the explicit character of the method.
Practical implications
The proposed method improves automation in FSI numerical analysis and relaxes the human expertise/effort for meshing the computational domain around complex three-dimensional geometries. The logical consequence is an overall speed-up of the simulation process.
Originality/value
The value of the paper consists in demonstrating the applicability of dynamic IB techniques for studying high-lift devices. In particular, the proposed Cartesian method does not want to compete with body-conforming ones whose accuracy remains generally superior. Rather, the merit of this research is to propose a fast and automatic simulation system as a viable alternative to classic multi-block structured, chimaera or unstructured tools.
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Aoxiang Qiu, Weimin Sang, Feng Zhou and Dong Li
The paper aims to expand the scope of application of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), especially in the field of aircraft engineering. The traditional LBM is usually applied…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to expand the scope of application of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), especially in the field of aircraft engineering. The traditional LBM is usually applied to incompressible flows at a low Reynolds number, which is not sufficient to satisfy the needs of aircraft engineering. Devoted to tackling the defect, the paper proposes a developed LBM combining the subgrid model and the multiple relaxation time (MRT) approach. A multilayer adaptive Cartesian grid method to improve the computing efficiency of the traditional LBM is also employed.
Design/methodology/approach
The subgrid model and the multilayer adaptive Cartesian grid are introduced into MRT-LBM for simulations of incompressible flows at a high Reynolds number. Validated by several typical flow simulations, the numerical methods in this paper can efficiently study the flows under high Reynolds numbers.
Findings
Some numerical simulations for the lid-driven flow of cavity, flow around iced GLC305, LB606b and ONERA-M6 are completed. The paper presents the investigation results, indicating that the methods are accurate and effective for the separated flow after icing.
Originality/value
LBM is developed with the addition of the subgrid model and the MRT method. A numerical strategy is proposed using a multilayer adaptive Cartesian grid method and its treatment of boundary conditions. The paper refers to innovative algorithm developments and applications to the aircraft engineering, especially for iced wing simulations with flow separations.
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