Flow Problems Research Articles

Non-Intrusive Reduced Basis two-grid method for flow and transport problems in heterogeneous porous media

Due to its non-intrusive nature and ease of implementation, the Non-Intrusive Reduced Basis (NIRB) two-grid method has gained significant popularity in numerical computational fluid dynamics simulations. The efficiency of the NIRB method hinges on separating the procedure into offline and online stages. In the offline stage, a set of high-fidelity computations is performed to construct the reduced basis functions, which is time-consuming but is only executed once. In contrast, the online stage adapts a coarse-grid model to retrieve the expansion coefficients of the reduced basis functions. Thus it is much less costly than directly solving a high-fidelity model. However, coarse grids in heterogeneous porous media of flow models are often accompanied by upscaled hydraulic parameters (e.g. hydraulic conductivity), thus introducing upscaling errors. In this work, we introduce the two-scale idea to the existing NIRB two-grid method: when dealing with coarse-grid models, we also employ upscaled model parameters. Both the discretization and upscaling errors are compensated by the rectification post-processing. The numerical examples involve flow and heat transport problems in heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity fields, which are generated by self-affine random fields. Our research findings indicate that the modified NIRB method can effectively capture the large-scale features of numerical solutions, including pressure, velocity, and temperature. However, accurately retrieving velocity fields with small-scale features remains highly challenging.

Analysis of heat and mass transfer rates in conducting Casson fluid flow over an expanding surface considering Ohmic heating and Darcy dissipation effects

In a recent scenario, the flow of Casson fluid via porous media has practical applications in various engineering processes, such, as the design of cooling systems for electronic devices, oil recovery in porous reservoirs, and polymer extrusion processes, etc. The proposed investigation illustrates the thermal and solutal transfer rates in a conducting Casson fluid flow over an expanding surface. However, the emphasis goes to the behavior of the Ohmic heating and Darcy dissipation when considering the transverse magnetic field and porous matrix. The governing flow phenomena with their dimensional form are altered into a non-dimensional set of equations with the help of suitable similarity rules. Further, an adequate numerical simulation is adopted to solve the transformed equations using the in-house bvp4c function in MATLAB. The physical parameters involved in the flow problem and their behavior on the governing flow phenomena are presented graphically and described briefly. Prior to this investigation, the conformity of the current numerical output obtained for the heat transfer rate was validated with the earlier work with a good correlation. Moreover, the major outcomes are; the non-Newtonian Casson parameter retards the axial and transverse velocity profile and the shear rate also decreases significantly. The Eckert number caused by the inclusion of the dissipative heat encourages the fluid temperature throughout.

A new higher-order super compact finite difference scheme to study three-dimensional non-Newtonian flows

This work introduces a new higher-order accurate super compact (HOSC) finite difference scheme for solving complex unsteady three-dimensional (3D) non-Newtonian fluid flow problems. As per the author's knowledge, the proposed scheme is the first ever developed higher-order compact finite difference scheme to solve 3D non-Newtonian flow problems. The proposed scheme is fourth-order accurate in space and second-order accurate in time, utilizing only seven adjacent grid points at the (n+1)th time level for the finite difference discretization. A time-marching methodology is employed with pressure calculated via a pressure-correction strategy based on the modified artificial compressibility method. Using the power-law viscosity model, we tackle the benchmark problem of a 3D lid-driven cavity, systematically analyzing the varied rheological behavior of shear-thinning (n = 0.5), shear-thickening (n = 1.5), and Newtonian (n = 1.0) fluids across different Reynolds numbers (Re=1,50,100,200). Both Newtonian and non-Newtonian results are carefully investigated in terms of streamlines, velocity variation, pressure distributions, and viscosity contours, and the computed results are validated with the existing benchmark results. The findings demonstrate excellent agreement with the existing results. It is found that for shear-thinning fluid (n = 0.5), u velocity is higher near the top moving wall than the case of Newtonian (n = 1.0) and shear-thickening fluid (n = 1.5) for all Re values. This extensive analysis, using the new HOSC scheme, not only increases our understanding of non-Newtonian fluid behavior but also provides a robust foundation for future research and practical applications.

Stochastic dual dynamic programming for optimal power flow problems under uncertainty

Planning in the power sector has to take into account the physical laws of alternating current (AC) power flows as well as uncertainty in the data of the problems, both of which greatly complicate optimal decision making. We propose a computationally tractable framework to solve multi-stage stochastic optimal power flow (OPF) problems in AC power systems. Our approach uses recent results on dual convex semi-definite programming (SDP) relaxations of OPF problems in order to adapt the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm for problems with a Markovian structure. We show that the usual SDDP lower bound remains valid and that the algorithm converges to a globally optimal policy of the stochastic AC-OPF problem as long as the SDP relaxations are tight. To test the practical viability of our approach, we set up a case study of a storage siting, sizing, and operations problem. We show that the convex SDP relaxation of the stochastic problem is usually tight and discuss ways to obtain near-optimal physically feasible solutions when this is not the case. The algorithm finds a physically feasible policy with an optimality gap of 3% and yields a significant added value of 27% over a rolling deterministic policy, which leads to overly optimistic policies and underinvestment in flexibility. This suggests that the common industry practice of assuming direct current and deterministic problems should be reevaluated by considering models that incorporate realistic AC flows and stochastic elements in the data as potentially more realistic alternatives.

Forecasting two-dimensional channel flow using machine learning

Over the past decade, the integration of artificial neural networks (ANNs) has garnered significant interest, capitalizing on their ability to discern intricate patterns within data. Focused on enhancing computational efficiency, this article explores the application of ANNs in forecasting fluid-dynamics simulations, particularly for the benchmark problem of fluid flow in a two-dimensional (2D) channel. Leveraging a multilayer perceptron trained on finite volume method numerical data, for both interpolation and extrapolation estimations and various grid resolutions, our findings demonstrate the ANN's prowess as a swift and accurate surrogate for traditional numerical methods. Overall, the results of this work mark a pioneering step toward leveraging machine learning for modeling complex relationships in fluids phenomena, promising transformative advancements in computational fluid dynamics.

Solving Optimal Power Flow Using New Efficient Hybrid Jellyfish Search and Moth Flame Optimization Algorithms

This paper presents a new optimization technique based on the hybridization of two meta-heuristic methods, Jellyfish Search (JS) and Moth Flame Optimizer (MFO), to solve the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. The JS algorithm offers good exploration capacity but lacks performance in its exploitation mechanism. To improve its efficiency, we combined it with the Moth Flame Optimizer, which has proven its ability to exploit good solutions in the search area. This hybrid algorithm combines the advantages of both algorithms. The performance and precision of the hybrid optimization approach (JS-MFO) were investigated by minimizing well-known mathematical benchmark functions and by solving the complex OPF problem. The OPF problem was solved by optimizing non-convex objective functions such as total fuel cost, total active transmission losses, total gas emission, total voltage deviation, and the voltage stability index. Two test systems, the IEEE 30-bus network and the Mauritanian RIM 27-bus transmission network, were considered for implementing the JS-MFO approach. Experimental tests of the JS, MFO, and JS-MFO algorithms on eight well-known benchmark functions, the IEEE 30-bus, and the Mauritanian RIM 27-bus system were conducted. For the IEEE 30-bus test system, the proposed hybrid approach provides a percent cost saving of 11.4028%, a percent gas emission reduction of 14.38%, and a percent loss saving of 50.60% with respect to the base case. For the RIM 27-bus system, JS-MFO achieved a loss percent saving of 50.67% and percent voltage reduction of 62.44% with reference to the base case. The simulation results using JS-MFO and obtained with the MATLAB 2009b software were compared with those of JS, MFO, and other well-known meta-heuristics cited in the literature. The comparison report proves the superiority of the JS-MFO method over JS, MFO, and other competing meta-heuristics in solving difficult OPF problems.

Efficiency high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for low speeds flows with time-derivative preconditioning

A local preconditioning high-order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method is introduced to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the density-based approach for low-speed flows. The method is based on the time-derivative preconditioning technique typically employed in finite volume methods. Traditional approximation methods that only precondition low-order derivatives lead to incompatibility of the equations. To extend the preconditioning technique to the DG method, we employ an analytic preconditioning mass matrix derived from the DG formulation of the preconditioned Navier–Stokes equations. Modified numerical flux functions and a self-adaptive local velocity truncation parameter are employed for DG systems with preconditioning. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the preconditioned DG method using explicit and implicit schemes for steady flows and a dual-time scheme for unsteady flows. The method has been implemented and used to compute a variety of flow problems, including inviscid and laminar flows, utilizing various degrees of polynomial approximations. Computations with and without preconditioning are performed to analyze the influence of spatial discretization on the accuracy and convergence of the DG solutions at low Mach numbers. Numerical results underscore the enhanced accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed method for low-speed flows, indicating significant performance improvements over traditional methods.

Multistage stochastic programming with a random number of stages: Applications in hurricane disaster relief logistics planning

We consider a logistics planning problem of prepositioning relief commodities in preparation for an impending hurricane landfall. We model the problem as a multi-period network flow problem where the objective is to minimize the total expected logistics cost of operating the network to meet the demand for relief commodities. We assume that the hurricane’s attributes evolve over time according to a Markov chain model, and the demand quantity at each demand point is calculated based on the hurricane’s attributes (intensity and location) at the terminal stage, which corresponds to the hurricane’s landfall. We introduce a fully adaptive multi-stage stochastic programming (MSP) model that allows the decision-maker to adapt their logistics decisions over time according to the evolution of the hurricane’s attributes. In addition, we develop a novel extension of the standard MSP model to address the challenge of having a random number of stages in the planning horizon due to the uncertain landfall time of the hurricane. We benchmark the performance of the adaptive decision policy given by the MSP models with alternative decision policies, including a static policy, a rolling-horizon policy, a wait-and-see policy, and a decision-tree-based policy, all based on two-stage stochastic programming models. Our numerical results and sensitivity analyses provide key insights into the value of MSP in the hurricane disaster relief logistics planning problem.

Exploring swirling flow dynamics: Unsupervised machine learning in Maxwell hybrid nanofluid convection over an exponentially stretching cylinder with non-linear radiation effects

This article analyses the flow of Maxwell hybrid nanofluid induced by an exponentially stretching and rotating cylinder. The presence of non-linear convection, non-linear radiation, and magnetic field is also assumed. The factors covered in the study has a wide spectrum of application in various disciplines, and therefore we analyse the influence of different flow parameters after numerically solving the set of modelled differential equations. A data-free physics-informed neural network using a wavelet activation function is used to approximate the numerical solution. The reliability of the used methodology is validated by comparing the results of the limiting case with the available results. The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of using PINN in an unsupervised fashion to tackle fluid flow problems, showcasing their ability to provide reliable and accurate solutions without the need for extensive datasets. This approach highlights the potential of PINN to address complex fluid dynamics problems by utilizing physical laws within the neural network framework. From the numerical study, it is observed that hybrid nanofluid has a better rate of heat transfer compared to the nanofluid. Furthermore, radiation parameter and maxwell flow parameter is seen to exhibit significant impact of the flow profiles.

A thermodynamics-based coupled model for multi-phase flowback in deformable dual-porosity shale gas reservoirs

Over the past decades, there has been growing interest in modelling multi-phase flowback in shale gas reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing, primarily due to the significant risk of groundwater pollution. However, the lack of fully coupled simulations and a unified theoretical model has hindered the study of coupled adsorptive hydro-mechanical behaviour and its influence on fluid flowback prediction. In this paper, we have extended the non-equilibrium thermodynamics-based Mixture Coupling Theory to derive the constitutive relationship and governing equation for adsorptive multi-phase fluid flows in deformable dual-porosity media. Helmholtz free energy density has been used to establish the relationship between solids and fluids. The interaction of adsorptive fluids in the pore and fracture space has been fully considered, leading to a new form of constitutive equation, which obtained the molecular adsorptive effect on the rock by introducing adsorption entropy production. The proposed governing equations determine the fully coupled evolution of solid deformation and multi-phase flow, with the consideration of adsorption as well as pore and fracture porosity change. Numerical simulation is then performed to study the flowback of a real shale gas well and the influence of coupled behaviour on model prediction. The simulation shows that the flowback flux is mainly by the fracture (more than 99.9 %) and the overall cumulative volume is 2427.1 m3 within 225 h which accounts for about 5.3 % of the total injected fracturing fluid, and the sensitivity analysis reveals that the manual fracture porosity is the most sensitive factor to the cumulative flowback. This work provides new insights into the flowback process of shale reservoirs in a fully coupled view and the proposed theoretical tool should contribute to the modelling of other adsorptive multi-phase flow problem in deformable dual-porosity media such as carbon storage and coalbed methane production.

A fourth-order compact finite volume method on unstructured grids for simulation of two-dimensional incompressible flow

This paper introduces a novel and efficient compact reconstruction procedure for high-order finite volume methods applied to unstructured grids. In this procedure, we establish a set of constitutive relations that ensure the continuity of the reconstruction polynomial and its normal derivatives between adjacent elements at control points. The paper delves into the details of the fourth-order compact reconstruction method specifically designed for two-dimensional triangular grids. This method can be considered an extension of the one-dimensional compact scheme and cubic spline interpolation methods to two-dimensional triangular unstructured grids. In the cubic polynomial reconstruction, a two-dimensional cubic polynomial is reconstructed using the cell averages of elements in the standard stencil and the function values at control points. The determination of function values at control points is achieved by adhering to the constraint of normal derivative continuity. This reconstruction is solved using a relaxation iteration method and has been verified to be solvable for triangular grids. Compared to other fourth-order implicit compact polynomial reconstructions, our method requires solving a smaller number of unknowns, which means less computational cost in reconstruction. By applying this method to solve the Poisson equation, the linear convection equation, and incompressible flow benchmarks, it demonstrates that the proposed method exhibits the expected high-order accuracy and performs well in incompressible flow problems.

Boosting Barlow Twins Reduced Order Modeling for Machine Learning‐Based Surrogate Models in Multiphase Flow Problems

AbstractWe present an innovative approach called boosting Barlow Twins reduced order modeling (BBT‐ROM) to enhance the reliability of machine learning surrogate models for multiphase flow problems. BBT‐ROM builds upon Barlow Twins reduced order modeling that leverages self‐supervised learning to effectively handle linear and nonlinear manifolds by constructing well‐structured latent spaces of input parameters and output quantities. To address the challenge of high contrast data in multiphase flow problems due to injection wells and faults, we employ a boosting algorithm within BBT‐ROM. This algorithm sequentially trains a set of weak models (i.e., inaccurate models), improving prediction accuracy through ensemble learning. To evaluate the performance of BBT‐ROM, we conduct three three‐dimensional multiphase flow problems, including waterflooding and geologic carbon storage (GCS), with varying numbers of input parameter cases and model domain features. The results demonstrate that BBT‐ROM excels at predicting non‐wetting phase saturation (e.g., oil or saturation) and fluid pressure, with average relative errors ranging from 0.5% to 3%. Importantly, BBT‐ROM showcases robustness when faced with limited input parameter space during GCS testing.

On the use of fast projection methods with unsteady velocity boundary conditions

This article aims at clarifying and amending a previously published result on the use of pseudo-pressure approximations for fast incompressible Navier-Stokes solvers with time-dependent boundary conditions. Fast projection methods were proposed to speed up high-order incompressible Navier-Stokes solvers by replacing pressure projections with simple approximations. A generalized approximation theory was proposed in [1], in which the time-dependent boundary conditions were ignored. In this comment, we investigate the effect of unsteady boundary conditions on the order of accuracy and demonstrate that the pressure approximations derived in [1] hold for all RK2 integrators, while RK3 approximations are only third order for certain sets of coefficients. We show that third order is lost for other cases and shed light on why order is broken. This work serves as a reference for the treatment of unsteady boundary conditions for fast-projection methods. Numerical validation is performed on a well established channel flow problem with a variety of unsteady inlet conditions for a wide range of explicit RK2 and RK3 integrators.

Solving the Hele–Shaw flow using the Harrow–Hassidim–Lloyd algorithm on superconducting devices: A study of efficiency and challenges

The development of quantum processors for practical fluid flow problems is a promising yet distant goal. Recent advances in quantum linear solvers have highlighted their potential for classical fluid dynamics. In this study, we evaluate the Harrow–Hassidim–Lloyd (HHL) quantum linear systems algorithm (QLSA) for solving the idealized Hele–Shaw flow. Our focus is on the accuracy and computational cost of the HHL solver, which we find to be sensitive to the condition number, scaling exponentially with problem size. This emphasizes the need for preconditioning to enhance the practical use of QLSAs in fluid flow applications. Moreover, we perform shots-based simulations on quantum simulators and test the HHL solver on superconducting quantum devices, where noise, large circuit depths, and gate errors limit performance. Error suppression and mitigation techniques improve accuracy, suggesting that such fluid flow problems can benchmark noise mitigation efforts. Our findings provide a foundation for future, more complex application of QLSAs in fluid flow simulations.

A comprehensive review of advances in physics-informed neural networks and their applications in complex fluid dynamics

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) represent an emerging computational paradigm that incorporates observed data patterns and the fundamental physical laws of a given problem domain. This approach provides significant advantages in addressing diverse difficulties in the field of complex fluid dynamics. We thoroughly investigated the design of the model architecture, the optimization of the convergence rate, and the development of computational modules for PINNs. However, efficiently and accurately utilizing PINNs to resolve complex fluid dynamics problems remain an enormous barrier. For instance, rapidly deriving surrogate models for turbulence from known data and accurately characterizing flow details in multiphase flow fields present substantial difficulties. Additionally, the prediction of parameters in multi-physics coupled models, achieving balance across all scales in multiscale modeling, and developing standardized test sets encompassing complex fluid dynamic problems are urgent technical breakthroughs needed. This paper discusses the latest advancements in PINNs and their potential applications in complex fluid dynamics, including turbulence, multiphase flows, multi-field coupled flows, and multiscale flows. Furthermore, we analyze the challenges that PINNs face in addressing these fluid dynamics problems and outline future trends in their growth. Our objective is to enhance the integration of deep learning and complex fluid dynamics, facilitating the resolution of more realistic and complex flow problems.

Developing an Entrepreneurship Training Framework for Graphic Design Students at the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Entrepreneurship education has become increasingly important worldwide, including for graduates in South Africa. Like their counterparts in other emerging economies, South African graduates face challenges in starting their businesses. This study focused on Graphic Design graduates at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), who encountered difficulties in establishing their design businesses. The research aimed to develop an entrepreneurship education framework for the Integrated Communication Design (ICD) programme at Tshwane University of Technology. A qualitative method was used along with an interpretivism research philosophy to examine small and micrographic design businesses in Tshwane’s central business district. In this article, twelve participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Four main themes were revealed in this article namely, core entrepreneurial skills, curriculum challenges in practical education, challenges faced by graphic design graduates, and strategies for improving business performance. These findings informed the proposed framework for entrepreneurial education for Tshwane University of Technology. The study identified ten key challenges for graphic design graduates, such as a lack of contracts, mentorship, and financial support, difficulties in hiring skilled staff, limited business knowledge, reliance on government contracts, excessive subcontracting, brand recognition issues, cash flow problems, and corruption. The study concluded by emphasising the urgent need for a shift in graphic design education, particularly in South Africa. It is recommended that graphic design educational institutions and the government join hands in finding ways to sponsor these entrepreneurs financially and non-financially to make their transition into the corporate world as smooth as possible. Keywords: Curriculum, entrepreneurship education, graphic design, higher education, Integrated Communication Design (ICD), small business

PTTS: Zero-knowledge proof-based private token transfer system on Ethereum blockchain and its network flow based balance range privacy attack analysis

Blockchains are decentralized and immutable databases that are shared among the nodes of the network. Although blockchains have attracted a great scale of attention in the recent years by disrupting the traditional financial systems, the transaction privacy is still a challenging issue that needs to be addressed and analysed. We propose a Private Token Transfer System (PTTS) for the Ethereum public blockchain in the first part of this paper. For the proposed framework, zero-knowledge based protocol has been designed using Zokrates and integrated into our private token smart contract. With the help of web user interface designed, the end users can interact with the smart contract without any third-party setup. In the second part of the paper, we provide security and privacy analysis including the replay attack and the balance range privacy attack which has been modeled as a network flow problem. It is shown that in case some balance ranges are deliberately leaked out to particular organizations or adversarial entities, it is possible to extract meaningful information about the user balances by employing minimum cost flow network algorithms that have polynomial complexity. The experimental study reports the Ethereum gas consumption and proof generation times for the proposed framework. It also reports network solution times and goodness rates for a subset of addresses under the balance range privacy attack with respect to number of addresses, number of transactions and ratio of leaked transfer transaction amounts.

A novel transformation free nonuniform higher order compact finite difference scheme for solving incompressible flows on circular geometries

This paper presents a newly developed higher order compact scheme that is designed on a polar grid by using an implicit form of first order derivatives on nonuniform grids. These derivatives are formulated compactly and implicitly with a relationship of the coefficients in terms of the unknown variables. The proposed scheme is free from transformation technique and third order accurate in space. The objective is to solve Stokes equations and Navier–Stokes equations on curvilinear grids using the polar nature of the coordinate system. Our newly developed scheme is used to solve several problems namely, a problem having an analytical solution, Stokes flow with different orientations of the lids for the half filled annular and wedge cavity, the lid driven polar cavity flow and flow past an impulsively started circular cylinder. Our newly developed scheme is used to analyze the flow structures for the flow governed by different physical control parameters: the cavity radius ratio, the cavity angle and the ratio of the upper and lower lid speeds with rotating coaxial cylinders and Reynolds number for the impulsively started circular cylinder. The Stokes equations and the Navier–Stokes equations are efficiently solved with Dirichlet as well as Neumann boundary conditions. The efficacy and robustness of our proposed scheme are shown through its applicability in all the complex fluid flow problems.

RADIATION AND THERMAL DIFFUSION EFFECTS ON VISCO-ELASTIC FLUID PAST A POROUS PLATE WITH CHEMICAL REACTION AND HEAT GENERATION

A free convective two dimensional MHD boundary layer flow of a non-Newtonian (visco-elastic) fluid past a vertical porous plate have been thoroughly researched in this paper. The thermal diffusion Effects are also analyzed in presence of chemical reaction and radiation. A steady suction pressure is maintained at the plate. A singular perturbation method has been used to solve the problem. The analytical results are obtained for different values of the various dimensionless parameters entering into the flow problem and discussed quantitatively.

Decentralized Stochastic Recursive Gradient Method for Fully Decentralized OPF in Multi-Area Power Systems

This paper addresses the critical challenge of optimizing power flow in multi-area power systems while maintaining information privacy and decentralized control. The main objective is to develop a novel decentralized stochastic recursive gradient (DSRG) method for solving the optimal power flow (OPF) problem in a fully decentralized manner. Unlike traditional centralized approaches, which require extensive data sharing and centralized control, the DSRG method ensures that each area within the power system can make independent decisions based on local information while still achieving global optimization. Numerical simulations are conducted using MATLAB (Version 1.0.0.1) to evaluate the performance of the DSRG method on a 3-area, 9-bus test system. The results demonstrate that the DSRG method converges significantly faster than other decentralized OPF methods, reducing the overall computation time while maintaining cost efficiency and system stability. These findings highlight the DSRG method’s potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and scalability of decentralized OPF in modern power systems.