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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 20 February 2007

D. McBride, N. Croft and M. Cross

To improve flow solutions on meshes with cells/elements which are distorted/ non‐orthogonal.

Abstract

Purpose

To improve flow solutions on meshes with cells/elements which are distorted/ non‐orthogonal.

Design/methodology/approach

The cell‐centred finite volume (FV) discretisation method is well established in computational fluid dynamics analysis for modelling physical processes and is typically employed in most commercial tools. This method is computationally efficient, but its accuracy and convergence behaviour may be compromised on meshes which feature cells with non‐orthogonal shapes, as can occur when modelling very complex geometries. A co‐located vertex‐based (VB) discretisation and partially staggered, VB/cell‐centred (CC), discretisation of the hydrodynamic variables are investigated and compared with purely CC solutions on a number of increasingly distorted meshes.

Findings

The co‐located CC method fails to produce solutions on all the distorted meshes investigated. Although more expensive computationally, the co‐located VB simulation results always converge whilst its accuracy appears to grace‐fully degrade on all meshes, no matter how extreme the element distortion. Although the hybrid, partially staggered, formulations also allow solutions on all the meshes, the results have larger errors than the co‐located vertex based method and are as expensive computationally; thus, offering no obvious advantage.

Research limitations/implications

Employing the ability of the VB technique to resolve the flow field on a distorted mesh may well enable solutions to be obtained on complex meshes where established CC approaches fail

Originality/value

This paper investigates a range of cell centred, vertex based and hybrid approaches to FV discretisation of the NS hydrodynamic variables, in an effort characterize their capability at generating solutions on meshes with distorted or non‐orthogonal cells/elements.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2008

A. Arefmanesh and M.A. Alavi

This paper aims to develop a hybrid finite difference‐finite element method and apply it to solve the three‐dimensional energy equation in non‐isothermal fluid flow past over a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a hybrid finite difference‐finite element method and apply it to solve the three‐dimensional energy equation in non‐isothermal fluid flow past over a tube.

Design/methodology/approach

To implement the hybrid scheme, the tube length is partitioned into uniform segments by choosing grid points along its length, and a plane perpendicular to the tube axis is drawn at each of the points. Subsequently, the Taylor‐Galerkin finite element technique is employed to discretize the energy equation in the planes; while the derivatives along the tube are discretized using the finite difference method.

Findings

To demonstrate the validity of the proposed numerical scheme, three‐dimensional test cases have been solved using the method. The variation of L2‐norm of the error with mesh refinement shows that the numerical solution converges to the exact solution with mesh refinement. Moreover, comparison of the computational time duration shows that the proposed method is approximately three times faster than the 3D finite element method. In the non‐isothermal fluid flow around a tube for Re=250 and Pr=0.7, the results show that the Nusselt number decreases with the increase in the tube length and, for the tube length greater than six times the tube diameter, the average Nusselt number converges to the value for the two‐dimensional case.

Originality/value

A hybrid finite difference‐finite element method has been developed and applied to solve the 3D transient energy equation for different test cases. The proposed method is faster, and computationally more efficient, compared with the 3D finite element method.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Jianyao Yao, Tao Lin, G. R. Liu and C. L Chen

The first purpose of this paper is to design more accurate, efficient and robust gradient smoothing methods (GSMs) for spatial derivative approximations for computational fluid…

Abstract

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is to design more accurate, efficient and robust gradient smoothing methods (GSMs) for spatial derivative approximations for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) application. The second purpose is to design an adaptive GSM-CFD solver for the compressible turbulent flows, with special focus on the shock-wave boundary layer interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A new integration scheme is proposed for the node-associated GSM to improve the accuracy and robustness of the previous versions. A matrix-based algorithm and corresponding data structures are devised to improve the computational efficiency of GSM. The GSM-CFD solver is coupled with a mixed solution-based adaptive mesher to form a functional adaptive GSM-CFD solver.

Findings

The improved GSMs are insensitive to mesh qualities, and can achieve high accuracy on all kinds of hybrid meshes. The adaptive GSM-CFD solver can better capture the shock wave.

Originality/value

The matrix-based GSM and its corresponding data structure for improved GSM, and the development of the adaptive GSM-CFD solver for compressible turbulent flows are newly presented in this paper.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Jaroslav Mackerle

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element meshing and remeshing from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. Topics such as adaptive techniques for meshing

1892

Abstract

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element meshing and remeshing from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. Topics such as adaptive techniques for meshing and remeshing, parallel processing in the finite element modelling, etc. are also included. The bibliography at the end of this paper contains 1,727 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with presented subjects that were published between 1990 and 2001.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 18 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

James Elgy, Paul D. Ledger, John L. Davidson, Toykan Özdeğer and Anthony J. Peyton

The ability to characterise highly conducting objects, that may also be highly magnetic, by the complex symmetric rank–2 magnetic polarizability tensor (MPT) is important for…

Abstract

Purpose

The ability to characterise highly conducting objects, that may also be highly magnetic, by the complex symmetric rank–2 magnetic polarizability tensor (MPT) is important for metal detection applications including discriminating between threat and non-threat objects in security screening, identifying unexploded anti-personnel landmines and ordnance and identifying metals of high commercial value in scrap sorting. Many everyday non-threat items have both a large electrical conductivity and a magnetic behaviour, which, for sufficiently weak fields and the frequencies of interest, can be modelled by a high relative magnetic permeability. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned idea.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical simulation of the MPT for everyday non-threat highly conducting magnetic objects over a broad range of frequencies is challenging due to the resulting thin skin depths. The authors address this by employing higher order edge finite element discretisations based on unstructured meshes of tetrahedral elements with the addition of thin layers of prismatic elements. Furthermore, computer aided design (CAD) geometrical models of the non-threat and threat object are often not available and, instead, the authors extract the geometrical features of an object from an imaging procedure.

Findings

The authors obtain accurate numerical MPT characterisations that are in close agreement with experimental measurements for realistic physical objects. The assessment of uncertainty shows the impact of geometrical and material parameter uncertainties on the computational results.

Originality/value

The authors present novel computations and measurements of MPT characterisations of realistic objects made of magnetic materials. A novel assessment of uncertainty in the numerical predictions of MPT characterisations for uncertain geometry and material parameters is included.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Zdobyslaw Jan Goraj and Kamila Kustron

Bird strike and hail impact resistances are considered in relation to the fulfilment of airworthiness/crashworthiness regulations as specified by appropriate aviation authorities…

Abstract

Purpose

Bird strike and hail impact resistances are considered in relation to the fulfilment of airworthiness/crashworthiness regulations as specified by appropriate aviation authorities. Before aircraft are allowed to go into service, these regulations must be fulfilled. This includes the adaption of the wing leading edge (LE) structure to smart diagnostics and an easy repair. This paper aims to focus on the wing LE, although all forward-facing aircraft components are exposed to the impact of foreign object during the flight. The best practices based on credible simulations which may be appropriate means of establishing compliance with European Aviation safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding bird strikes, together with the problem of collisions with hailstones, are overviewed in aspect of accuracy and computing cost.

Design/methodology/approach

The best means of evaluating worldwide certification standards so as to be more efficient for all stakeholders by reducing risk and costs (time and money consuming) of certification process are recommended. The very expensive physical tests may be replaced by adequate and credible computer simulations. The adequate credible simulation must be verified and validated. The statistical approaches for modelling the uncertainty are presented in aspect of computing cost.

Findings

The simulation models have simplifications and assumptions that generate an uncertainty. The uncertainty must be identified in benchmarking tests. Instead of using “in house” physical tests, there are scientific papers available in open literature thanks to the new trend in worldwide publication of the research results. These large databases can be efficiently transform into useful benchmark thanks to data mining and knowledge discovery methods and big data analyses. The physical test data are obtained from tests on the ground-based demonstrator by using high-speed cameras and a structural health monitoring system, and therefore, they should be applied at an early stage of the design process.

Originality/value

The sources of uncertainty in simulation models are expressed, and the way to their assessment is presented based on statistical approaches. A brief review of the current research shows that it widely uses efficient numerical analysis and computer simulations and is based on finite element methods, mesh structure as well as mesh free particle models. These methods and models are useful to analyse airworthiness requirements for damage tolerance regarding bird-strike and hail impact and haves been subjected to critical review in this paper. Many original papers were considered in this analysis, and some of them have been critically reviewed and commented upon.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2001

109

Abstract

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 73 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

M.S. Abdul Aziz, M.Z. Abdullah, C.Y. Khor, M. Mazlan, A.M. Iqbal and Z.M. Fairuz

The purpose of this paper is to present a three-dimensional finite volume-based analysis on the effects of propeller blades on fountain flow in a wave soldering process and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a three-dimensional finite volume-based analysis on the effects of propeller blades on fountain flow in a wave soldering process and performs an experimental validation.

Design/methodology/approach

Solder pot models with various numbers of propeller blades were developed and meshed by using hybrid elements and simulated by using the FLUENT fluid flow solver. The characteristics of the fountain, such as flow profile, velocity vector, filling time, and fountain advancement, were investigated. Molten solder (Sn63Pb37) material, a temperature of 250°C, and a propeller speed of 830 rpm were applied in the simulation. The predicted results were validated by the experimental fountain profile.

Findings

The use of a six-blade propeller in a solder pot increased the fountain thickness profile and reduced the filling time. Moreover, a six-blade propeller design resulted in a stable fountain profile and was considered the best choice for current wave soldering processes.

Practical implications

This study provides a better understanding of the effects of propeller blades on the fountain flow in the wave soldering process.

Originality/value

The study explores the fountain flow behavior and provides a reference to the engineers and designers in order to improve the fountain flow of the wave soldering.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

P.K. Ullas, Dhiman Chatterjee and S. Vengadesan

Understanding the interaction of turbulence and cavitation is an essential step towards better controlling the cavitation phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to bring out the…

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding the interaction of turbulence and cavitation is an essential step towards better controlling the cavitation phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to bring out the efficacy of different modelling approaches to predict turbulence and cavitation-induced phase changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the dynamic cavitation (DCM) and Schnerr–Sauer models. Also, the effects of different modelling methods for turbulence, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) and detached eddy simulations (DES) are also brought out. Numerical predictions of internal flow through a venturi are compared with experimental results from the literature.

Findings

The improved predictive capability of cavitating structures by DCM is brought out clearly. The temporal variation of the cavity size and velocity illustrates the involvement of re-entrant jet in cavity shedding. From the vapour fraction contours and the attached cavity length, it is found that the formation of the re-entrant jet is stronger in DES results compared with that by URANS. Variation of pressure, velocity, void fraction and the mass transfer rate at cavity shedding and collapse regions are presented. Wavelet analysis is used to capture the shedding frequency and also the corresponding occurrence of features of cavity collapse.

Originality/value

Based on the performance, computational time and resource requirements, this paper shows that the combination of DES and DCM is the most suitable option for predicting turbulent-cavitating flows.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 32 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2008

C.J. Visser, A.G. Malan and J.P. Meyer

The purpose of this paper is to focus on modeling buoyancy driven viscous flow and heat transfer through saturated packed pebble‐beds via a set of homogeneous volume‐averaged…

1778

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on modeling buoyancy driven viscous flow and heat transfer through saturated packed pebble‐beds via a set of homogeneous volume‐averaged conservation equations in which local thermal disequilibrium is accounted for.

Design/methodology/approach

The local thermal disequilibrium accounted for refers to the solid and liquid phases differing in temperature in a volume‐averaged sense, which is modeled by describing each phase with its own governing equation. The partial differential equations are discretized and solved via a vertex‐centered edge‐based dual‐mesh finite volume algorithm. A compact stencil is used for viscous terms, as this offers improved accuracy compared to the standard finite volume formulation. A locally preconditioned artificial compressibility solution strategy is employed to deal with pressure incompressibility, whilst stabilisation is achieved via a scalar‐valued artificial dissipation scheme.

Findings

The developed technology is demonstrated via the solution of natural convective flow inside a heated porous axisymmetric cavity. Predicted results were in general within 10 per cent of experimental measurements.

Originality/value

This is the first instance in which both artificial compressibility and artificial dissipation is employed to model flow through saturated porous materials.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 18 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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