843 research outputs found
Solving Nonlinear Parabolic Equations by a Strongly Implicit Finite-Difference Scheme
We discuss the numerical solution of nonlinear parabolic partial differential
equations, exhibiting finite speed of propagation, via a strongly implicit
finite-difference scheme with formal truncation error . Our application of interest is the spreading of
viscous gravity currents in the study of which these type of differential
equations arise. Viscous gravity currents are low Reynolds number (viscous
forces dominate inertial forces) flow phenomena in which a dense, viscous fluid
displaces a lighter (usually immiscible) fluid. The fluids may be confined by
the sidewalls of a channel or propagate in an unconfined two-dimensional (or
axisymmetric three-dimensional) geometry. Under the lubrication approximation,
the mathematical description of the spreading of these fluids reduces to
solving the so-called thin-film equation for the current's shape . To
solve such nonlinear parabolic equations we propose a finite-difference scheme
based on the Crank--Nicolson idea. We implement the scheme for problems
involving a single spatial coordinate (i.e., two-dimensional, axisymmetric or
spherically-symmetric three-dimensional currents) on an equispaced but
staggered grid. We benchmark the scheme against analytical solutions and
highlight its strong numerical stability by specifically considering the
spreading of non-Newtonian power-law fluids in a variable-width confined
channel-like geometry (a "Hele-Shaw cell") subject to a given mass
conservation/balance constraint. We show that this constraint can be
implemented by re-expressing it as nonlinear flux boundary conditions on the
domain's endpoints. Then, we show numerically that the scheme achieves its full
second-order accuracy in space and time. We also highlight through numerical
simulations how the proposed scheme accurately respects the mass
conservation/balance constraint.Comment: 36 pages, 9 figures, Springer book class; v2 includes improvements
and corrections; to appear as a contribution in "Applied Wave Mathematics II
StaRMAP - A second order staggered grid method for spherical harmonics moment equations of radiative transfer
We present a simple method to solve spherical harmonics moment systems, such
as the the time-dependent and equations, of radiative transfer.
The method, which works for arbitrary moment order , makes use of the
specific coupling between the moments in the equations. This coupling
naturally induces staggered grids in space and time, which in turn give rise to
a canonical, second-order accurate finite difference scheme. While the scheme
does not possess TVD or realizability limiters, its simplicity allows for a
very efficient implementation in Matlab. We present several test cases, some of
which demonstrate that the code solves problems with ten million degrees of
freedom in space, angle, and time within a few seconds. The code for the
numerical scheme, called StaRMAP (Staggered grid Radiation Moment
Approximation), along with files for all presented test cases, can be
downloaded so that all results can be reproduced by the reader.Comment: 28 pages, 7 figures; StaRMAP code available at
http://www.math.temple.edu/~seibold/research/starma
Large-Eddy Simulations of Flow and Heat Transfer in Complex Three-Dimensional Multilouvered Fins
The paper describes the computational procedure and
results from large-eddy simulations in a complex three-dimensional
louver geometry. The three-dimensionality in the
louver geometry occurs along the height of the fin, where the
angled louver transitions to the flat landing and joins with the
tube surface. The transition region is characterized by a swept
leading edge and decreasing flow area between louvers.
Preliminary results show a high energy compact vortex jet
forming in this region. The jet forms in the vicinity of the louver
junction with the flat landing and is drawn under the louver in
the transition region. Its interaction with the surface of the
louver produces vorticity of the opposite sign, which aids in
augmenting heat transfer on the louver surface. The top surface
of the louver in the transition region experiences large velocities
in the vicinity of the surface and exhibits higher heat transfer
coefficients than the bottom surface.Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project 9
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