Multiscale Simulations of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Problems

Abstract

The multiscale problems in the thermal and fluid science are classified into two categories: multiscale process and multiscale system. The meanings of the two categories are described. Examples are provided for multiscale process and multiscale system. In this paper, focus is put on the simulation of multiscale process. The numerical approaches for multiscale processes have two categories: one is the usage of a general governing equation and solving the entire flow field involving a variation of several orders in characteristic geometric scale. The other is the so-called “solving regionally and coupling at the interfaces.” In this approach, the processes at different length levels are simulated by different numerical methods and then information is exchanged at the interfaces between different regions. The key point is the establishment of the reconstruction operator, which transforms the data of few variables of macroscopic computation to a large amount of variables of microscale or mesoscale simulation. Six numerical examples of multiscale simulation are presented. Finally, some research needs are proposed.