Numerical Simulation Of Flow Research Articles

Impact of spanwise rotation on flow separation and recovery behind a bulge in channel flows

Direct numerical simulations of spanwise-rotating turbulent channel flow with a parabolic bump on the bottom wall are employed to investigate the effects of rotation on flow separation. Four rotation rates, $Ro_b := 2\varOmega H/U_b = \pm 0.42$ , $\pm$ 1.0, are compared with the non-rotating scenario. The mild adverse pressure gradient induced by the lee side of the bump allows for a variable pressure-induced separation. The separation region is reduced (increased) when the bump is on the anti-cyclonic (cyclonic) side of the channel, compared with the non-rotating separation. The total drag is reduced in all rotating cases. Through several mechanisms, rotation alters the onset of separation, reattachment and wake recovery. The mean momentum deficit is found to be the key. A physical interpretation of the ratio between the system rotation and mean shear vorticity, $S:=\varOmega /\varOmega _s$ , provides the mechanisms regarding stability thresholds $S=-0.5$ and $-$ 1. The rotation effects are explained accordingly, with reference to the dynamics of several flow structures. For anti-cyclonic separation, particularly, the interaction between the Taylor–Görtler vortices and hairpin vortices of wall-bounded turbulence is proven to be responsible for the breakdown of the separating shear layer. A generalized argument is made regarding the essential role of near-wall deceleration and resultant ejection of enhanced hairpin vortices in destabilizing an anti-cyclonic flow. This mechanism is anticipated to have broad impacts on other applications in analogy to rotating shear flows, such as thermal convection and boundary layers over concave walls.

Quantum spin representation for the Navier-Stokes equation

We develop a quantum representation for Newtonian viscous fluid flows by establishing a mapping between the Navier-Stokes equation (NSE) and the Schrödinger-Pauli equation (SPE). The proposed nonlinear SPE incorporates the two-component wave function and the imaginary diffusion. Consequently, classical fluid flow can be interpreted as a non-Hermitian quantum spin system. Using the SPE-based numerical simulation of viscous flows, we demonstrate the quantum/wavelike behavior in flow dynamics. Furthermore, the SPE equivalent to the NSE can facilitate the quantum simulation of fluid dynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

CFD Two-Phase Blood Model Predicting the Hematocrit Heterogeneity Inside Fiber Bundles of Blood Oxygenators.

Blood is commonly treated as single-phase homogeneous fluid in numerical simulations of blood flow within fiber bundles of blood oxygenators. However, microfluidics tests revealed the presence of hematocrit heterogeneity in blood flowing across such geometries. Given the significant role of red blood cells (RBCs) in the oxygenation process, this study aims to propose a multiphase blood model able to correctly describe the experimental evidence and computationally investigate hematocrit heterogeneities inside fiber bundles. The experimental results of microfluidics tests performed in a previous study were processed and based on quantitative data of image intensity, a two-phase blood model following the Eulerian-Eulerian approach was calibrated and evaluated in its predictive ability against the experimental data. The two-phase model was then used to study the RBCs distribution inside different fiber bundles at average hematocrit values of 25% and 35%, representative of hemodilution in extracorporeal blood circulation. The numerical model proved to be able to describe and predict the experimental phase separation between plasma and RBCs within the microchannel geometry at different test conditions. Moreover, blood flow simulation in commercial fiber bundles revealed the presence of specific patterns in hematocrit distribution and their dependence on variations in bundle microstructure. The two-phase blood model proposed in this study provides a tool for advanced evaluation of local fluid dynamics and identification of optimal bundle microstructure allowing further gas transfer simulations to account for a reliable heterogeneous distribution of RBCs around the oxygenating fibers.

Numerical Investigations on the Enhancement of Convective Heat Transfer in Fast-Firing Brick Kilns

In order to reduce CO2 emissions in the brick manufacturing process, the effectiveness of the energy-intensive firing process needs to be improved. This can be achieved by enhancing the heat transfer in order to reduce firing times. As a result, current development of tunnel kilns is oriented toward fast firing as a long-term goal. However, a struggling building sector and complicated challenges, such as different requirements for product quality, have impeded developments in this direction. This creates potential for the further development of oven designs, such as improved airflow through the kiln. In this article, numerical flow simulations are used to investigate two different reconstruction measures and compare them to the initial setup. In the first measure, the kiln height is reduced, while in the second measure, the kiln cars are adjusted to alternate the height of the bricks so that every other pair of bricks is elevated, creating a staggered arrangement. Both measures are investigated to determine the effect on the heating rate compared to the initial configuration. A transient grid independence study is performed, ensuring numerical convergence and the setup is validated by experimental results from measurements on the initial kiln configuration. The simulations show that lowering the kiln height improves the heat transfer rate by 40%, while the staggered arrangement of the bricks triples it. This leads to an average brick temperature after two hours which is around 130 °C higher compared to the initial kiln configuration. Therefore, the firing time can be significantly reduced. However, the average pressure loss coefficient rises by 70% to 90%, respectively, in the staggered configuration.

Assessment of Cavitation Erosion Using Combined Numerical and Experimental Approach

This paper aims to numerically assess the cavitation damage of hydrodynamic machines and hydraulic components and its development in time, based on cavitation erosion tests with samples of used materials. The theoretical part of this paper is devoted to the numerical simulation of unsteady multiphase flow by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and to the prediction of the erosive effects of the collapses of cavitation bubbles in the vicinity of solid surfaces. Compressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (URANS) are solved together with the Zwart cavitation model. To describe the destructive collapses of vapor bubbles, the modeling of cavitation bubble dynamics along selected streamlines or trajectories is applied. The hybrid Euler–Lagrange approach with one-way coupling and the full Rayleigh–Plesset equation (R–P) are therefore utilized. This paper also describes the experimental apparatus with a rotating disc used to reach genuine hydrodynamic cavitation and conditions similar to those of hydrodynamic machines. The simulations are compared with the obtained experimental data, with good agreement. The proposed methodology enables the application of the results of erosion tests to the real geometry of hydraulic machines and to reliably predict the locations and magnitude of cavitation erosion, so as to select appropriate materials or material treatments for endangered parts.

A time-relaxation reduced order model for the turbulent channel flow

Regularized reduced order models (Reg-ROMs) are stabilization strategies that leverage spatial filtering to alleviate the spurious numerical oscillations generally displayed by the classical Galerkin ROM (G-ROM) in under-resolved numerical simulations of turbulent flows. In this paper, we propose a new Reg-ROM, the time-relaxation ROM (TR-ROM), which filters the marginally resolved scales. We compare the new TR-ROM with the two other Reg-ROMs in current use, i.e., the Leray ROM (L-ROM) and the evolve-filter-relax ROM (EFR-ROM) and one eddy viscosity model, the mixing-length model, in the numerical simulation of the turbulent channel flow at Reτ=180 and Reτ=395 in both the reproduction and the predictive regimes. For each Reg-ROM, we investigate two different filters: (i) the differential filter (DF), and (ii) the higher-order algebraic filter (HOAF). In our numerical investigation, we monitor the Reg-ROM performance with respect to the ROM dimension, N, and the filter order. We also perform sensitivity studies of the three Reg-ROMs with respect to the time interval, relaxation parameter, and filter radius. The numerical results yield the following conclusions: (i) All three Reg-ROMs are significantly more accurate than the G-ROM. (ii) All three Reg-ROMs are more accurate than the ROM projection in terms of Reynolds stresses. (iii) With the optimal parameter values, the new TR-ROM yields more accurate results than the L-ROM and the EFR-ROM in all tests. (iv) The new TR-ROM is more accurate than the mixing-length ROM. (v) For most N values, DF yields the most accurate results for all three Reg-ROMs. (vi) The optimal parameters trained in the reproduction regime are also optimal for the predictive regime for most N values, demonstrating the Reg-ROM predictive capabilities. (vii) All three Reg-ROMs are sensitive to the filter order and the filter radius, and the EFR-ROM and the TR-ROM are sensitive to the relaxation parameter. (viii) The optimal range for the filter radius and the effect of relaxation parameter are similar for the two Reτ values.

Numerical simulation of flow and mass transport in KDP crystal growth using solution alternate jetting method

Numerical simulation of flow and mass transport in KDP crystal growth using solution alternate jetting method

Sediment transport on rippled beds

We conduct an Euler-Lagrange, direct numerical simulation of a turbulent channel flow at a shear Reynolds number of Reτ=180 over an erodible particle bed. The particle bed consists of approximately 1.3 × 106 monodisperse particles, resulting in a bed thickness of around 12–13 particles. The particle density and size are chosen to achieve a ratio of 4 for the Shields stress to the critical Shields stress necessary for incipient motion such that particle transport occurs primarily as bedload. The simulation is run long enough for ripples to form. We track the temporal evolution of the particle flux and excess Shields stress for the entire bed as well as for the four regions of a ripple, namely, the crest, trough, lee side, and stoss side. We find that the particle flux and excess Shields stress closely match the Wong and Parker correlation when the particle bed is featureless at early time but diverge from the correlation when ripples form. This deviation primarily arises from particle transport in the trough and lee side regions. Conversely, particle transport in the crest and stoss side regions remains largely consistent with the Wong and Parker correlation. A root mean square-based correction for the bed is proposed to be used in conjunction with the Wong and Parker correlation. Additionally, ripples attain a self-similar profile in the shape and near-bed shear stress when they are sufficiently distant from their upstream neighbor. Any departure from self-similarity occurs when the upstream neighbor gets within close proximity.

Numerical Simulation of Two-Layer Shallow Water Flows. Exchange Flow in the Lombok Strait

Numerical Simulation of Two-Layer Shallow Water Flows. Exchange Flow in the Lombok Strait

Effects of boundary conditions on the transmitral pressure gradient for numerical simulation of flow in a left heart model

The transmitral pressure gradient is a crucial clinical indicator for diagnosing mitral regurgitation and stenosis. Numerical simulation of specific patients can obtain the complete pressure distribution in the left heart system, which is an important approach to evaluate cardiac function. However, the results are sensitive to the boundary conditions used in the numerical simulations. In the present work, we constructed a left heart model and assessed the effects of four typical boundary conditions on the transmitral pressure gradient, which is computed based on the Bernoulli equation and the line probe, respectively. The results show that the transmitral pressure gradient obtained by the line probe is sensitive to the boundary conditions. The sensitivity is closely related to the pressure in the atrium but has negligible effect on the pressure in the ventricle. This study sheds light on evaluating the pressure gradient of patient-specific treatments based on the numerical simulation of a left heart model.

Comparison between shear-driven and pressure-driven oscillatory flows over ripples

Direct numerical simulations of oscillatory flow over a bed made of ripples have been performed. Two oscillatory flow forcing mechanisms have been compared: (i) a sinusoidal external pressure gradient (pressure-driven flow); and (ii) a sinusoidal velocity boundary conditions on the rippled bed (shear-driven flow). In the second case, the oscillations of the bed are such that when observed from a reference frame fixed with the bed, the free stream follows the same harmonic oscillation as in the pressure-driven case. While the outer layers have the same dynamics in the two cases, close to the bed differences are observed during the cycle, mostly because the large form drag across the ripples cannot be reproduced in the shear-driven case. A comparison against experimental data from an oscillating tray apparatus provides a relatively good agreement for the phase-averaged flow when the same forcing is considered (i.e. a shear-driven flow). The pressure-driven case has a comparable error to the shear-driven numerical results over the crest of the ripples, whereas the discrepancy is larger at the troughs. The discrepancies between the two cases are more limited for time-averaged flow quantities, such as the mean flow pattern and the time-averaged Reynolds stress distribution. This suggests that numerical or experimental shear-driven configurations may capture well the net effects of coastal transport processes (which occur in pressure-driven oscillatory flow), but care should be exercised in interpreting phase-dependent dynamics near the troughs. More work is needed to fully assess the sensitivity to the forcing mechanisms in different flow regimes.

Direct calculation of the eddy viscosity operator in turbulent channel flow at Re τ = 180

This study aims to quantify how turbulence in a channel flow mixes momentum in the mean sense. We applied the macroscopic forcing method (Mani & Park, Phys. Rev. Fluids, 2021, 054607) to direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a turbulent channel flow at $Re_\tau =180$ using two different forcing strategies that are designed to separately assess the anisotropy and non-locality of momentum mixing. In the first strategy, the leading term of the Kramers–Moyal expansion of the eddy viscosity is quantified, revealing all 81 tensorial coefficients that essentially characterise the local-limit eddy viscosity. The results indicate the following: (1) the eddy viscosity has significant anisotropy, (2) Reynolds stresses are generated by both the mean strain rate and mean rotation rate tensors associated with the momentum field and (3) the local-limit eddy viscosity generates asymmetric Reynolds stress tensors. In the second strategy, the eddy viscosity is quantified as an integration kernel revealing the non-local influence of the mean momentum gradient at each wall-normal coordinate on all nine components of the Reynolds stresses over the channel width. Our results indicate that while the shear component of the Reynolds stress is reasonably reproduced by the local mean gradients, other components of the Reynolds stress are highly non-local. These results provide an understanding of anisotropy and non-locality requirements for closure modelling of momentum transport in attached wall-bounded turbulent flows.

Quantitative and Qualitative Experimental Assessment of Water Vapor Condensation in Atmospheric Air Transonic Flows in Convergent–Divergent Nozzles

Atmospheric air, being also a moist gas, is present as a working medium in various areas of technology, including the areas of airframe aerodynamics and turbomachinery. Issues related to the condensation of water vapor contained in atmospheric air have been intensively studied analytically, experimentally and numerically since the 1950s. An effort is made in this paper to present new, unique and complementary results of the experimental testing of moist air expansion in the de Laval nozzle. The results of the measurements, apart from the static pressure distribution on the nozzle wall and the images obtained using the Schlieren technique, additionally contain information regarding the quantity and quality of the condensate formed due to spontaneous condensation at the transition from the subsonic to the supersonic flow in the nozzle. The liquid phase was identified using the light extinction method (LEM). The experiments were performed for three geometries of convergent–divergent nozzles with different expansion rates of 3000, 2500 and 2000 s−1. It is shown that as the expansion rate increases, the phenomenon of water vapor spontaneous condensation appears closer to the critical cross-section of the nozzle. A study was performed of the impact of the air relative humidity and pollution on the process of condensation of the water vapor contained in the air. As indicated by the results, both these parameters have a significant effect on the flow field and the pressure distribution in the nozzle. The results of the experimental analyses show that in the case of the atmospheric air flow, in addition to the pressure, temperature and velocity, other parameters must also be taken into account as boundary parameters for possible numerical analyses. Omitting information about the air humidity and pollution can lead to incorrect results in numerical simulations of transonic flows of atmospheric air. The presented results of the measurements of the moist air transonic flow field are original and fill the research gap in the field of experimental studies on the phenomenon of water vapor spontaneous condensation.

Comprehensive Theoretical Formulation and Numerical Simulation of the Internal Flow in Pressure-Swirl Atomizers Type Screw-Conveyer

The present work shows the development of a comprehensive theoretical formulation for its application in the study of the internal flow of pressure-swirl atomizers with helical channels: “screw-conveyer”, which are characterized by presenting in their inlet channels, an angle of incidence or helix angle ψ. This angle originates a trigonometric factor (cosψ) that must be considered in the geometrical characteristics parameter of pressure-swirl atomizer (Ah), which consequently involves other geometric parameters, such as the annular section coefficient (φ), discharge coefficient (Cd), spray angle (2α), etc., being relevant in the internal flow study and design of the pressure-swirl atomizers type screw-conveyer. This theoretical formulation integrates an internal ideal flow model (Abramovich theory) with a model that considers the influence of the liquid viscosity (Kliachko theory) and hydraulic resistance of Idelchik. For the validation of this theoretical formulation, numerical simulation was used, considering the commercial software Ansys Fluent 2023 R2 furthermore, hexahedral meshes were generated with the ICEM CFD software 2023, for four cases of helix angle ψ (15°, 30°, 45° and 60°), with application of the RNG k-ε turbulence model and VOF multiphase model (volume of fluid) for the location of the liquid-gas interface and spray angle visualization.

Numerical Simulations of Flow and Heat Exchange in Zigzag-Shaped Microchannels

Cooling of electronic components is of great importance currently. One of the most important methods of integrated circuit cooling is the use of microchannel heat sinks. The aim of this work is to analyze the cooling capacity of zigzag shaped microchannels. The heat exchange for four different microchannels was tested depending on the flow rate of the cooling liquid (water) and the temperature of the cooled element. The system of differential equations that describe fluid flow and heat transport is presented in the paper. The equations were solved using the finite volume method. The work showed that both the increase in the number of zigzag sections and the increase in the flow velocity cause an increase in the flow resistance. In contrast, an increase in the temperature of the cooled element causes a decrease in fluid viscosity, which results in a decrease in flow resistance. From the point of heat exchange, both the increase in the number of segments, the flow rate, and the temperature of the cooled element increase the cooling capacity of the microchannel. Research shows that zigzag shaped microchannels are excellent cooling elements, especially for geometrically small heat sources such as electronic components.

A conceptual and numerical model of fluid flow and heat transport in the Topusko hydrothermal system

Comprehensive understanding of hydrothermal systems is often obtained through the integration of conceptual and numerical modelling. This integrated approach provides a structured framework for the reconstruction and quantification of fluid dynamics in the reservoir, thereby facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable utilisation and environmental protection of the hydrothermal system. In this study, an updated conceptual model of the Topusko hydrothermal system (THS; central Croatia) is proposed based on structural, geochemical, and hydrogeological analyses. The stratigraphic sequence and the structural framework of the THS were defined based on geological maps and field investigations. As depicted by hydrochemical and isotope analyses, thermal waters in Topusko (temperatures of up to 65 °C) are of meteoric origin and circulate in a carbonate aquifer. The THS receives diffuse recharge approximately 13 km S from Topusko, where Triassic carbonates crop out. Gravity-driven regional groundwater circulation is favoured by regional thrusts that tectonically uplifted Palaeozoic low permeable rocks. These structures confine the fluid flow in the permeable, fractured and karstified, Triassic carbonates favouring the northward circulation of the water. A regional anticline lifts the aquifer closer to the surface in Topusko. Open fractures in the anticline hinge zone increase the fracturing and permeability field of the aquifer promoting the quick upwelling of the thermal water resulting in the Topusko thermal springs. Numerical simulations of fluid flow and heat transport corroborate the proposed conceptual model. In particular, a thermal anomaly was modelled in the Topusko subsurface with temperature values of 31.3 °C and 59.5 °C at the surface and at the base of the thermal aquifer, respectively, approaching the field observations. These findings showed that the circulation of Topusko thermal water is influenced by regional and local geological structures suggesting that the enhanced permeability field in the discharge area enables the formation of the natural thermal springs.

Numerical simulation of flow around a transversely oscillating square cylinder at Re=22000

The study utilized OpenFOAM software, combined with the k-ω shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) dynamic mesh method, to investigate the influence of the oscillation amplitude on the flow dynamics around a square cylinder at Re = 2.2 × 104. It was found that various oscillation amplitudes affect the non-Gaussian characteristics of fluctuating pressure differently along the cylinder's surface: diminishing at the leading edge while intensifying at the trailing-edge corner. Concurrently, secondary recirculation bubbles near the cylinder's leading and trailing edges gradually diminish and eventually disappear with increasing oscillation amplitudes. Analysis of the amplitude spectrum of transverse velocity indicates the exclusive presence of odd-order harmonics along the central axis, while both odd and even-order harmonics are observed on either side of the central axis. Additionally, heightened oscillation amplitudes result in increased energy transfer from the cylinder to the fluid, with the energy density function predominantly exhibiting negative values and periodic variations occurring at twice the frequency of cylinder displacement or lift coefficient. As the oscillation amplitude increases, the vortex in the wake region transitions from a single-row to a double-row configuration. The research results provide important theoretical guidance for deepening the understanding of the flow characteristics around the oscillating square cylinder.

Numerical simulation of cavitation flow around a wing with new tubercles design

The study investigates the benefits of adding non-uniform leading-edge tubercles to hydrofoils, drawing inspiration from the complex shaping of humpback whale flippers. The focus is on managing cavitation, a phenomenon that can affect hydrofoil performance. While previous research has mainly looked at uniform sinusoidal tubercles and their positive impact on flow dynamics and cavitation control, this study introduces a new perspective by examining the effects of non-uniform tubercles on hydrofoil performance. Advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent 2024 were used to assess how these non-uniform tubercles affect the lift, drag, and cavitation characteristics of the NACA 634-021 hydrofoil. The simulations incorporated the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model and the SST k-ω turbulence model to accurately capture the flow dynamics. The results show that non-uniform tubercles improve cavitation control by disrupting the flow in a way that delays the onset and reduces the severity of cavitation. The modified hydrofoils (non-uniform tubercles) display improved hydrodynamic performance compared to baseline designs, with significant reductions in drag and increased lift at higher angles of attack. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of mimicking natural designs to enhance flow stability and address cavitation issues, offering a significant contribution to advanced hydrofoil design in scenarios where controlling cavitation is essential. The broader implications of this research underscore the potential of mimicking natural designs to transform hydrofoil engineering and enhance flow stability in various applications.

Development characteristics and hazard analysis of debris flow along the Emei to Mianning section of the Chengdu–Kunming Railway

Geological disasters in the Emei to Mianning section of the Chengdu–Kunming Railway located in southwestern China occur frequently, and many debris flow gullies are distributed along the line. Debris flows often cause damage to the railway and highway that threatens the safe operation of the original line and the double-track line. Along the railway, the debris flow outbreak risks are analyzed for 53 debris flow gullies using field survey, remote sensing interpretation, and numerical simulation. Their developmental characteristics were judged according to the code. The results are used for numerical simulation of debris flow to further determine the movement characteristics and the accumulation range of debris flow. The results are combined with high-definition satellite images to analyze the form of the railway passing from the mouth of the ditch and the simulation results to determine the impact on the safe operation of the Chengdu–Kunming Railway when the debris flow erupts. Finally, disaster prevention and mitigation projects are proposed, and the prevention and control effects of the proposed works are validated.

Numerical simulation of a laminar-turbulent flow past a swept wing under the action of a blowing or suction source

Numerical simulation of a laminar-turbulent flow past a swept wing under the action of a blowing or suction source