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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2019

Lin Fu, Zhe Ji, Xiangyu Y. Hu and Nikolaus A. Adams

This paper aims to develop a parallel fast neighbor search method and communication strategy for particle-based methods with adaptive smoothing-length on distributed-memory…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a parallel fast neighbor search method and communication strategy for particle-based methods with adaptive smoothing-length on distributed-memory computing systems.

Design/methodology/approach

With a multi-resolution-based hierarchical data structure, the parallel neighbor search method is developed to detect and construct ghost buffer particles, i.e. neighboring particles on remote processor nodes. To migrate ghost buffer particles among processor nodes, an undirected graph is established to characterize the sparse data communication relation and is dynamically recomposed. By the introduction of an edge coloring algorithm from graph theory, the complex sparse data exchange can be accomplished within optimized frequency. For each communication substep, only efficient nonblocking point-to-point communication is involved.

Findings

Two demonstration scenarios are considered: fluid dynamics based on smoothed-particle hydrodynamics with adaptive smoothing-length and a recently proposed physics-motivated partitioning method [Fu et al., JCP 341 (2017): 447-473]. Several new concepts are introduced to recast the partitioning method into a parallel version. A set of numerical experiments is conducted to demonstrate the performance and potential of the proposed parallel algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed methods are simple to implement in large-scale parallel environment and can handle particle simulations with arbitrarily varying smoothing-lengths. The implemented smoothed-particle hydrodynamics solver has good parallel performance, suggesting the potential for other scientific applications.

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Yexiang Xiao, Zhengwei Wang, Jidi Zeng, jintai Zheng, Jiayang Lin and Lanjin Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically investigate the interference characteristics between two ski-jump jets on the flip bucket in a large dam spillway…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically investigate the interference characteristics between two ski-jump jets on the flip bucket in a large dam spillway when two floodgates are running.

Design/methodology/approach

The volume of fluid (VOF) method together with the Realizable k-ε turbulence model were used to predict the flow in two ski-jump jets and the free surface motion in a large dam spillway. The movements of the two gates were simulated using a dynamic mesh controlled by a User Defined Function (UDF). The simulations were run using the prototype dam as the field test to minimize errors due to scale effects. The simulation results are compared with field test observations.

Findings

The transient flow calculations, accurately predict the two gate discharges compared to field data with the predicted ski-jump jet interference flow pattern similar to the observed shapes. The transient simulations indicate that the main reason for the deflected nappe is the larger opening difference between the two gates as the buttress side gate closes. When both gates are running, the two ski-jump jets interfere in the flip bucket and raise the jet nappe to near the buttress to form a secondary flow on this jet nappe surface. As the gate continues to close, the nappe surface continues to rise and the surface secondary flow become stronger, which deflects the nappe over the side buttress.

Originality/value

A dynamic mesh is used to simulate the transient flow behavior of two prototype running gates. The transient flow simulation clarifies the hydraulics mechanism for how the two ski-jump jets interfere and deflect the nappe.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2019

Xikui Li, Songge Zhang and Qinglin Duan

This paper aims to present a novel scheme for imposing periodic boundary conditions with downscaled macroscopic strain measures of gradient Cosserat continuum on the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel scheme for imposing periodic boundary conditions with downscaled macroscopic strain measures of gradient Cosserat continuum on the representative volume element (RVE) of discrete particle assembly in the frame of the second-order computational homogenization methods for granular materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed scheme is based on the generalized Hill’s lemma of gradient Cosserat continuum and the incremental non-linear constitutive relation condensed to the peripheral particles of the RVE of discrete particle assembly. The generalized Hill’s lemma conducts to downscale the macroscopic strain or stress measures and to impose the periodic boundary conditions on the RVE boundary so that the Hill-Mandel energy equivalence condition is ensured. Because of the incremental non-linear constitutive relation condensed to the peripheral particles of the RVE, the periodic boundary displacement and traction constraints together with the downscaled macroscopic strains and strain gradients, micro-rotations and curvatures are imposed in the point-wise sense without the need of introducing the Lagrange multipliers for enforcing the periodic boundary displacement and traction constraints in a weak sense.

Findings

Numerical results demonstrate that the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed scheme in imposing the periodic boundary conditions on the RVE. The results of the RVE subjected to the periodic boundary conditions together with the displacement boundary conditions in the second-order computational homogenization for granular materials provide the desired estimations, which lie between the upper and the lower bounds provided by the displacement and the traction boundary conditions imposed on the RVE respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Each grain in the particulate system under consideration is assumed to be rigid and circular.

Practical implications

The proposed scheme for imposing periodic boundary conditions on the RVE can be adopted solely for estimating the effective mechanical properties of granular materials and/or integrated into the frame of the second-order computational homogenization method with a nested finite element method-discrete element method solution procedure for granular materials. It will tend to provide, at least theoretically, more reasonable results for effective material properties and solutions of a macroscopic boundary value problem simulated by the computational homogenization method.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel scheme for imposing periodic boundary conditions with downscaled macroscopic strain measures of gradient Cosserat continuum on the RVE of discrete particle assembly for granular materials without need of introducing Lagrange multipliers for enforcing periodic boundary conditions in a weak (integration) sense.

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2022

David Tae and Kumar K. Tamma

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel implementation of a multispatial method, multitime-scheme subdomain differential algebraic equation (DAE) framework allowing a mix…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel implementation of a multispatial method, multitime-scheme subdomain differential algebraic equation (DAE) framework allowing a mix of different space discretization methods and different time schemes by a robust generalized single step single solve (GS4) family of linear multistep (LMS) algorithms on a single body analysis for the first-order nonlinear transient systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposed method allows the coupling of different numerical methods, such as the finite element method and particle methods, and different implicit and/or explicit algorithms in each subdomain into a single analysis with the GS4 framework. The DAE, which constrains both space and time in multi-subdomain analysis, combined with the GS4 framework ensures the second-order time accuracy in all primary variables and Lagrange multiplier. With the appropriate GS4 parameters, the algorithmic temperature rate variable shift can be matched for all time steps using the DAE. The proposed method is used to solve various combinations of spatial methods and time schemes between subdomains in a single analysis of nonlinear first-order system problems.

Findings

The proposed method is capable of coupling different spatial methods for multiple subdomains and different implicit/explicit time integration schemes in the GS4 framework while sustaining second-order time accuracy.

Originality/value

Traditional approaches do not permit such robust and flexible coupling features. The proposed framework encompasses most of the LMS methods that are second-order time accurate and unconditionally stable.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

B. Paul Gibson

Light, when viewed as a particle, reacts in a determinable manner with reference to the gravitational potential existing within the reference frame viewed. The elementary quanta…

Abstract

Light, when viewed as a particle, reacts in a determinable manner with reference to the gravitational potential existing within the reference frame viewed. The elementary quanta of light, expressed under the terms of Planck, and as derived via the expressions of Einstein as a particle, may not reach a speed exactly equating to the speed (electromagnetic) of light of c. Here c is viewed as an electromagnetic constancy in any gravitational frame of reference. The theory is that a relative particle of mass may not achieve the speed of light, for the energy of that particle would then equate to infinity or in that the force required allowing the relative particle to reach c would then be infinite. The theory is then totally reliant upon the tenants of what has become to be known as the Special Theory of Relativity. As per the General Theory, light would be “bent”, more or less, from one gravitational reference frame as compared to another gravitational reference frame. The theory then evolves that light, when viewed as a particle, forms a curvilinear light path through the gravitational reference frame viewed. However, until now, the light path has been solely described on a linear basis. It is the result of the theory that the light path may be described on a curvilinear basis, under the method of Lagrange. This method, or model, allows a particle of light (viewed as a projectile of mass under a constant velocity, therefore under a constant acceleration) to achieve Newton's description of the path of a projectile. Note that the following paper is applicable to a previous paper, which proposes a displacement of light within the gravitational field.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 32 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Wen-Juan Zhang, Xue-Hua Ruan, Gao-Hong He, Yong-Liang Ma and Yuan-Fa Liu

The permeate flux in microfiltration (MF) declines sharply with time due to membrane fouling, which seriously restricts its use in industrial applications. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

The permeate flux in microfiltration (MF) declines sharply with time due to membrane fouling, which seriously restricts its use in industrial applications. The purpose of this paper is to investigate particles deposition in MF processes, and propose a three-dimensional numerical model that focuses on particle-fluid flow and considers both permeable boundary conditions and cake deposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-ways coupling model was solved using Euler-Lagrange methods in which the suspended particle was traced by a hard sphere model and the fluid was simulated using large eddy model.

Findings

The numerical results predicted based on this model demonstrated the permeate flux increased as trans-membrane pressure and inlet velocity increased but decreased with an increase in feed concentration.

Research limitations/implications

Good agreement was observed between the values obtained with the model and experimental values from the literature. The error is less than 20 per cent both permeate flux and cake thickness. In addition, a precise visualisation of cake morphology with filtration time was provided.

Originality/value

These analyses allowed for an estimation of the three-dimensional motion of suspended particles in turbulent flow. It saves manpower and financial resources for experiment, which possess important theoretical and industrial significance.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2022

Yong Wang, Xiaolin Wang, Jie Chen, Gangxiang Li, Houlin Liu and Wei Xiong

The purpose of the paper is to predict the erosion rate of the components of centrifugal pump under certain operating condition to identify the maximum erosion area and to discuss…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to predict the erosion rate of the components of centrifugal pump under certain operating condition to identify the maximum erosion area and to discuss the factors affecting them. This helps to optimize design and estimate service life.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach method coupled with the erosion model to investigate the mixed sand characteristics on erosion characteristics of centrifugal pump flow-through wall. The hydraulic performance and wear characteristics experiment of the pump is used to verify the accuracy of the numerical simulation.

Findings

The blade erosion area mainly occurs near the blade inlet and the trailing edge of the pressure surface, the main erosion area of the impeller back shroud is near the outlet of the flow passage and the main erosion area of the volute is near the tongue and the I section. With the change of the average diameter and density of sand particles, the average erosion rate on different flow-through walls is positively correlated with the average mass concentration to a certain extent. However, for different sand shape factors, there is little correlation between the average erosion rate and the average mass concentration. In addition, compared with other erosion areas, the increase of average sand particle diameter and density has the greatest impact on the total erosion rate of blade pressure surface, while the shape of sand particles has a greater impact on the total erosion rate of each flow-through wall of centrifugal pump.

Originality/value

In this work, according to the characteristics of the mixed distribution of different sand diameters in the Yellow River Basin, the erosion characteristics of centrifugal pumps used in the Yellow River Basin are studied. The numerical calculation method for predicting the wall erosion of centrifugal pump is established and compared with the experimental results. The results can provide reference for optimizing design and increasing service life.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2019

Elzbieta Fornalik-Wajs, Aleksandra Roszko, Janusz Donizak and Anna Kraszewska

Nanofluids’ properties made them interesting for various areas like engineering, medicine or cosmetology. Discussed here, research pertains to specific problem of heat transfer…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanofluids’ properties made them interesting for various areas like engineering, medicine or cosmetology. Discussed here, research pertains to specific problem of heat transfer enhancement with application of the magnetic field. The main idea was to transfer high heat rates with utilization of nanofluids including metallic non-ferrous particles. The expectation was based on changed nanofluid properties. However, the results of experimental analysis did not meet it. The heat transfer effect was smaller than in the case of base fluid. The only way to understand the process was to involve the computational fluid dynamics, which could help to clarify this issue. The purpose of this research is deep understanding of the external magnetic field effect on the nanofluids heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

In presented experimental and numerical studies, the water and silver nanofluids were considered. From the numerical point of view, three approaches to model the nanofluid in the strong magnetic field were used: single-phase Euler, Euler–Euler and Euler–Lagrange. In two-phase approach, the momentum transfer equations for individual phases were coupled through the interphase momentum transfer term expressing the volume force exerted by one phase on the second one.

Findings

Therefore, the results of numerical simulation predicted decrease of convection heat transfer for nanofluid with respect to pure water, which agreed with the experimental results. The experimental and numerical results are in good agreement with each other, which confirms the right choice of two-phase approach in analysis of nanofluid thermo-magnetic convection.

Originality/value

The Euler–Lagrange exhibit the best matching with the experimental results.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Xiuwei Shi, Wujian Ding, Chunjie Xu, Fangwei Xie and Zuzhi Tian

In the process of conveying the solid–liquid two-phase medium of the centrifugal slurry pump, the wear of the flow-passing parts is an important problem affecting its life and…

Abstract

Purpose

In the process of conveying the solid–liquid two-phase medium of the centrifugal slurry pump, the wear of the flow-passing parts is an important problem affecting its life and safe operation. Therefore, a numerical investigation on the wear characteristics of the centrifugal slurry pump under different particle conditions was conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

A solid-liquid two-phase model based on CFD-DEM coupling is established and used to analyze the flow field and the wear characteristics of the flow-passing parts with different particle densities, volume fractions and sizes.

Findings

Particle conditions will affect the pump flow field. To analyze the pump wear characteristics, the wear distribution, wear value and cumulative force laws of flow-passing parts under different particle conditions are obtained. In each flow-passing part, with the increase of particle density, volume fraction and size, the wear area is concentrated and the wear depth increases. Under different particle conditions, the wear is mainly on the volute chamber and the blade pressure surface, and the tangential cumulative force of flow-passing parts is much larger than the normal cumulative force.

Originality/value

An accurate model and a coupled simulation method for predicting the wear of the slurry pump are obtained, and the wear characteristic law can provide a reference for the design of the slurry pump to reduce friction.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1996

Donald H. House, Richard W. DeVaul and David E. Breen

Reviews a new approach being developed for modelling the dynamic behaviour of cloth. This work extends the cloth‐particle static draping model of Breen and House to include…

Abstract

Reviews a new approach being developed for modelling the dynamic behaviour of cloth. This work extends the cloth‐particle static draping model of Breen and House to include dynamics, and extends constrained dynamics simulation techniques developed by Witkin, Gleicher and Welch to yield performance enhancements. Fundamental to this approach is a new hierarchical approximation algorithm for constrained dynamics simulation which, it is hoped, will reduce the computational time demands of the algorithm to near real‐time range.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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