Numerical Code (numerical + code)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The lattice Boltzmann method and the finite volume method applied to conduction,radiation problems with heat flux boundary conditions

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009
Bittagopal Mondal
Abstract This article deals with the implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in conjunction with the finite volume method (FVM) for the solution of conduction,radiation problems with heat flux and temperature boundary conditions. Problems in 1-D planar and 2-D rectangular geometries have been considered. The radiating,conducting participating medium is absorbing, emitting and scattering. In the 1-D planar geometry, the south boundary is subjected to constant heat flux, while in the 2-D geometry the south and/or the north boundary is at constant heat flux condition. The remaining boundaries are at prescribed temperatures. The energy equation is solved using the LBM and the radiative information for the same is computed using the FVM. In the direct method, by prescribing temperatures at the boundaries, the temperature profile and heat flux are calculated. The computed heat flux values are imposed at the boundaries to establish the correctness of the numerical code in the inverse method. Effects of various parameters such as the extinction coefficient, the scattering albedo, the conduction,radiation parameter, the boundary emissivity and the total heat flux and boundary temperatures are studied on the distributions of temperature, radiative and conductive heat fluxes. The results of the LBM in conjunction with the FVM have been found to compare very well with those available in the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The influence of rotary valve distribution systems on the energetic efficiency of regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
Mario Amelio
Abstract On,off valve systems, commonly used in regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) plants, generate, during the opening time, a mass flow rate (MFR) which is constant. On the contrary, rotary valve systems, which are increasingly adopted in RTO plants, are characterized by variable MFR profiles. In this work, the energy requirements of two RTO systems, equipped with on,off or rotary valves, were determined using a home-developed numerical code. Energy performances were evaluated by calculating the thermal efficiency and pressure drop within structured or random packed bed RTO systems, at the same mean MFR. The results demonstrated that thermal efficiency was only moderately influenced by the valve system, and is slightly lower for the RTO with on,off valve. On the other hand, the study revealed that energy requirements of all RTO systems were basically unaffected by cycle duration, allowing valve rotational velocity to be freely set to maximize for other technical requirements. On the contrary, pressure drop was greatly influenced by the valve type and increased as variability in MFR function augmented. Moreover, the type of regenerator, structured or random packed bed, affected differently the total energy requirements (basically pumping energy plus auxiliary fuel). Energy requirements of structured and random regenerators were comparable only when volatile organic compounds concentration was lower than typical values encountered in the industrial practise. In other cases, structured regenerators RTO were more competitive. Finally, structured regenerators are usually the best choice when rotating valve distribution systems are adopted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


On a test bench for studying lubrication in a spherical bearing: simulations and experimental validation

LUBRICATION SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006
N.P. Belfiore
In this paper a test bench dedicated to the analysis of a lubricated spherical pair is presented. The experimental set-up has been used to validate a numerical code that has been developed by the authors in order to simulate a complex lubricated spherical pair that affects the reliability of a novel continuous variable transmission (CVT). The test bench is modular and can be adapted to other lubricated pairs, either cylindrical or spherical. The stand is equipped with an I/O control card and allows the on-line acquisition of some important parameters. As for the numerical code, the finite-difference method has been used to solve the indirect problem in the lubricated spherical pad, under the condition of hydrodynamic regime, with externally pressurized inlets. Two simulators are needed since the physical properties of the test bench and the real system are different. The one that simulates the behavior of the spherical pair in the test stand has been used to ascertain the numeric approach prediction capability. Indeed, the experimental tests gave results which are in very good correspondence with the numerical predictions. Hence, the second simulator, which has been tailored on the particular spherical pair the CVT is equipped with, gained reliability in predicting the behavior of the real system under different load and speed conditions. These predictions have been useful in achieving new insights into the novel CVT, which, under this new light, has been criticized by making the point that its range of application in automotive is, at the actual state of the art, rather limited, in spite of a high intrinsic complexity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Application of Richardson extrapolation to the numerical solution of partial differential equations

NUMERICAL METHODS FOR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, Issue 4 2009
Clarence Burg
Abstract Richardson extrapolation is a methodology for improving the order of accuracy of numerical solutions that involve the use of a discretization size h. By combining the results from numerical solutions using a sequence of related discretization sizes, the leading order error terms can be methodically removed, resulting in higher order accurate results. Richardson extrapolation is commonly used within the numerical approximation of partial differential equations to improve certain predictive quantities such as the drag or lift of an airfoil, once these quantities are calculated on a sequence of meshes, but it is not widely used to determine the numerical solution of partial differential equations. Within this article, Richardson extrapolation is applied directly to the solution algorithm used within existing numerical solvers of partial differential equations to increase the order of accuracy of the numerical result without referring to the details of the methodology or its implementation within the numerical code. Only the order of accuracy of the existing solver and certain interpolations required to pass information between the mesh levels are needed to improve the order of accuracy and the overall solution accuracy. Using the proposed methodology, Richardson extrapolation is used to increase the order of accuracy of numerical solutions of the linear heat and wave equations and of the nonlinear St. Venant equations in one-dimension. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009 [source]


Numerical analysis of surface-tension-driven coating flow

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 2 2002
Richard H. J. Blunk
Bondline readout (BLRO) is a coating defect frequently exhibited on adhesively bonded, polymeric automotive body panels painted with high-glamour/flow clearcoats. BLRO or telegraphing results from Marangoni - type, surface-tension-driven flows. The goal of this study is to use an efficient one-dimensional numerical code (based on the lubrication approximation) to obtain further insight into the mechanism of temperature- and concentration-induced BLRO flows in order to validate a proposed BRLO mechanism and ultimately to help eliminate the highly undesirable BLRO coating defect. Further insight is realized by investigating numerically the effects on BLRO of gravity and five parameters,initial film thickness, heating rate, viscosity, solvent volatility, and solvent-to-resin surface-tension ratio. Possible solutions to the BLRO problem are discussed. [source]


Numerical modelling and simulation of pulverized solid-fuel combustion in swirl burners

THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2009
H. Ettouati
Abstract A finite-volume numerical model for computer simulation of pulverized solid-fuel combustion in furnaces with axisymmetric-geometry swirl burner is presented. The simulation model is based on the k,,,, single phase turbulence model, considering the presence of the dispersed solid phase via additional source terms in the gas phase equations. The dispersed phase is treated by the particle source in cell (PSIC) method. Solid fuel particle devolatilization, homogenous and heterogeneous chemical reaction processes are modelled via a global combustion model. The radiative heat transfer equation is also resolved using the finite volume method. The numerical simulation code is validated by comparing computational and experimental results of pulverized coal in an experimental furnace equipped with a swirl burner. It is shown that the developed numerical code can successfully predict the flow field and flame structure including swirl effects and can therefore be used for the design and optimization of pulverized solid-fuel swirl burners. On présente un modèle numérique de volumes finis pour la simulation par ordinateur de la combustion de combustibles solides pulvérisés dans des fours munis de brûleur à tourbillon axisymétrique. Le modèle de simulation repose sur le modèle de turbulence monophasique k,,,,, et décrit la présence de la phase solide dispersée par le biais de termes-sources additionnels dans les équations de la phase gazeuse. La phase dispersée est traitée par la méthode PSIC. La dévolatilisation des particules combustibles solides et les procédés de réaction chimique homogène et hétérogène sont modélisés à l'aide d'un modèle de combustion global. L'équation de transfert de chaleur radiatif est également résolue par la méthode des volumes finis. Le code de simulation numérique a été validé en comparant les résultats des calculs par ordinateur avec des expériences pour du charbon pulvérisé dans un four expérimental équipé d'un brûleur à tourbillon. On montre que le code numérique peut prédire avec succès le champ d'écoulement et la structure de flamme y compris les effets tourbillonnaires et qu'il peut donc servir à la conception et à l'optimisation des brûleurs à tourbillons pour les combustibles solides pulvérisés. [source]


Seismic response analysis of multidrum classical columns

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2005
Dimitrios Konstantinidis
Abstract This paper presents a numerical investigation on the seismic response of multidrum classical columns. The motivation for this study originates from the need to understand: (a) the level of ground shaking that classical multidrum columns can survive, and (b) the possible advantages or disadvantages of retrofitting multidrum columns with metallic shear links that replace the wooden poles that were installed in ancient times. The numerical study presented in this paper is conducted with the commercially available software Working Model 2DÔ, which can capture with fidelity the sliding, rocking, and slide-rocking response of rigid-body assemblies. This paper validates the software Working Model by comparing selected computed responses with scarce analytical solutions and the results from in-house numerical codes initially developed at the University of California, Berkeley, to study the seismic response of electrical transformers and heavy laboratory equipment. The study reveals that relative sliding between drums happens even when the g -value of the ground acceleration is less than the coefficient of friction, µ, of the sliding interfaces and concludes that: (a) typical multidrum classical columns can survive the ground shaking from strong ground motions recorded near the causative faults of earthquakes with magnitudes Mw=6.0,7.4; (b) in most cases multidrum classical columns free to dislocate at the drum interfaces exhibit more controlled seismic response than the monolithic columns with same size and slenderness; (c) the shear strength of the wooden poles has a marginal effect on the sliding response of the drums; and (d) stiff metallic shear links in-between column drums may have an undesirable role on the seismic stability of classical columns and should be avoided. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Run Out of Landslides , Continuum Mechanics versus Discontinuum Mechanics Models

GEOMECHANICS AND TUNNELLING, Issue 5 2008
Rainer Poisel a.o.Univ.-Prof.
In general, a rock slope failure leads to the detachment of a rock mass consisting of a mass of blocks. During the last few years continuum mechanics as well as discontinuum mechanics numerical codes have been developed for modelling the run out of these masses. In order to compare both methods, Punta Thurwieser Rock Avalanche and Frank Slide were modelled by the continuum mechanics numerical code DAN3D as well as by the distinct element method PFC3D modified for run out modelling. The simulations showed that the parameters necessary to get results coinciding with observations in nature are completely different and that Frank run out was a real "slide" of a coherent mass, whereas Punta Thurwieser run out was a rock mass fall with much internal movement. The parameters for a run out simulation, therefore, have to be chosen in such a way that the simulation gives a rock mass fall in one particular case and a slide of a coherent mass in another, corresponding to the real conditions. Therefore, the prediction of the run out kinematics and the fixing of the parameters is a demanding task in each case when modelling run outs. Bergstürze , Vergleich kontinuumsmechanische und diskontinuumsmechanische Rechenmodelle Das Versagen von Felsböschungen und Talflanken führt meist zur Ablösung einer Masse von Blöcken. In den letzten Jahren wurden sowohl kontinuumsmechanische als auch diskontinuumsmechanische Rechenmodelle für die Simulation des Absturzvorgangs solcher Massen entwickelt. Anhand der Modellierung der Bergstürze Punta Thurwieser und Frank Slide mittels DAN3D und PFC3D werden die genannten Ansätze verglichen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die für eine realitätsnahe Modellierung erforderlichen Parameter stark unterscheiden. Während der Frank Slide als weitgehend kohärente Masse abging, war der Bergsturz Punta Thurwieser ein stark turbulenter Trümmerstrom. Die Parameter für die rechnerische Modellierung eines Bergsturzes müssen daher im einen Fall so gewählt werden, dass sich , je nach realen Verhältnissen , eine "laminare" Bewegung, im anderen Fall aber so, dass sich eine turbulente Bewegung ergibt. Die Vorhersage der Kinematik eines Bergsturzes und die darauf aufbauende Auswahl von Rechenparametern stellt daher eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe dar. [source]


Development of the DYNA3D simulation code with automated fracture procedure for brick elements

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 14 2003
Ala Tabiei
Abstract Numerical simulation of cracked structures is an important aspect in structural safety assessment. In recent years, there has been an increasing rate of development of numerical codes for modelling fracture procedure. The subject of this investigation is implementing automated fracture models in the DYNA3D non-linear explicit finite element code to simulate pseudo 3D crack growth procedure. The implemented models have the capabilities of simulating automatic crack propagation without user intervention. The implementation is carried on solid elements. The methodology of implementing fracture models is described. An element deletion-and-replacement remeshing procedure is proposed for updating the explicit geometric description of evolving cracks. Fracture parameters such as stress intensity factors, energy release rates and crack tip opening angle are evaluated. The maximum circumferential stress criterion is used to predict the direction of crack advancement. Seven crack problems are presented to verify the effectiveness of the methodology. Mesh sensitivity and loading rate effects are studied in the validation of the presented procedure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Validation of numerical codes for impact and explosion cratering: Impacts on strengthless and metal targets

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 12 2008
E. PIERAZZO
When properly benchmarked and validated against observation, computer models offer a powerful tool for understanding the mechanics of impact crater formation. This work presents results from the first phase of a project to benchmark and validate shock codes. A variety of 2D and 3D codes were used in this study, from commercial products like AUTODYN, to codes developed within the scientific community like SOVA, SPH, ZEUS-MP, iSALE, and codes developed at U.S. National Laboratories like CTH, SAGE/RAGE, and ALE3D. Benchmark calculations of shock wave propagation in aluminum-on-aluminum impacts were performed to examine the agreement between codes for simple idealized problems. The benchmark simulations show that variability in code results is to be expected due to differences in the underlying solution algorithm of each code, artificial stability parameters, spatial and temporal resolution, and material models. Overall, the inter-code variability in peak shock pressure as a function of distance is around 10 to 20%. In general, if the impactor is resolved by at least 20 cells across its radius, the underestimation of peak shock pressure due to spatial resolution is less than 10%. In addition to the benchmark tests, three validation tests were performed to examine the ability of the codes to reproduce the time evolution of crater radius and depth observed in vertical laboratory impacts in water and two well-characterized aluminum alloys. Results from these calculations are in good agreement with experiments. There appears to be a general tendency of shock physics codes to underestimate the radius of the forming crater. Overall, the discrepancy between the model and experiment results is between 10 and 20%, similar to the inter-code variability. [source]