Fourier analysis of finite element preconditioned collocation schemes

The spectrum of the iteration operator of some finite element preconditioned Fourier collocation schemes is investigated. The first part of the paper analyses one-dimensional elliptic and hyperbolic model problems and the advection-diffusion equation. Analytical expressions of the eigenvalues are obtained with use of symbolic computation. The second part of the paper considers the set of one-dimensional differential equations resulting from Fourier analysis (in the tranverse direction) of the 2-D Stokes problem. All results agree with previous conclusions on the numerical efficiency of finite element preconditioning schemes

An Introduction to the Mechanics of Incompressible Fluids

This open access book allows the reader to grasp the main bulk of fluid flow problems at a brisk pace. Starting with the basic concepts of conservation laws developed using continuum mechanics, the incompressibility of a fluid is explained and modeled, leading to the famous Navier-Stokes equation that governs the dynamics of fluids. Some exact solutions for transient and steady-state cases in Cartesian and axisymmetric coordinates are proposed. A particular set of examples is associated with creeping or Stokes flows, where viscosity is the dominant physical phenomenon. Irrotational flows are treated by introducing complex variables. The use of the conformal mapping and the Joukowski transformation allows the treatment of the flow around an airfoil. The boundary layer theory corrects the earlier approach with the Prandtl equations, their solution for the case of a flat plate, and the von Karman integral equation. The instability of fluid flows is studied for parallel flows using the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. The stability of a circular Couette flow is also described. The book ends with the modeling of turbulence by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and large-eddy simulations. Each chapter includes useful practice problems and their solutions. The book is useful for engineers, physicists, and scientists interested in the fascinating field of fluid mechanics

Boundary-induced inhomogeneity of particle layers in the solidification of suspensions

When a suspension freezes, a compacted particle layer builds up at the solidification front with noticeable implications on the freezing process. In a directional solidification experiment of monodispersed suspensions in thin samples, we evidence a link between the thickness of this layer and the sample depth. We attribute it to an inhomogeneity of particle density induced by the sample plates. A mechanical model enables us to relate it to the layer thickness with a dependency on the sample depth and to select the distribution of particle density that yields the best fit to our data. This distribution involves an influence length of sample plates of about nine particle diameters. These results clarify the implications of boundaries on suspension freezing. They may be useful to model polydispersed suspensions since large particles could play the role of smooth boundaries with respect to small ones.Comment: 16 pages, 13 figure

Mesh Update Techniques for Free-Surface Flow Solvers Using Spectral Element Method

This paper presents a novel mesh-update technique for unsteady free-surface Newtonian flows using spectral element method and relying on the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian kinematic description for moving the grid. Selected results showing compatibility of this mesh-update technique with spectral element method are give

One-dimensional linear advection–diffusion equation: Analytical and finite element solutions

In this paper, a time dependent one-dimensional linear advection–diffusion equation with Dirichlet homogeneous boundary conditions and an initial sine function is solved analytically by separation of variables and numerically by the finite element method. It is observed that when the advection becomes dominant, the analytical solution becomes ill-behaved and harder to evaluate. Therefore another approach is designed where the solution is decomposed in a simple wave solution and a viscous perturbation. It is shown that an exponential layer builds up close to the downstream boundary. Discussion and comparison of both solutions are carried out extensively offering the numericist a new test model for the numerical integration of the Navier–Stokes equatio

A coupled approximate deconvolution and dynamic mixed scale model for large-eddy simulation

Large-eddy simulations of incompressible Newtonian fluid flows with approximate deconvolution models based on the van Cittert method are reported. The Legendre spectral element method is used for the spatial discretization to solve the filtered Navier--Stokes equations. A novel variant of approximate deconvolution models blended with a mixed scale model using a dynamic evaluation of the subgrid-viscosity constant is proposed. This model is validated by comparing the large-eddy simulation with the direct numerical simulation of the flow in a lid-driven cubical cavity, performed at a Reynolds number of 12'000. Subgrid modeling in the case of a flow with coexisting laminar, transitional and turbulent zones such as the lid-driven cubical cavity flow represents a challenging problem. Moreover, the coupling with the spectral element method having very low numerical dissipation and dispersion builds a well suited framework to analyze the efficiency of a subgrid model. First- and second-order statistics obtained using this new model are showing very good agreement with the direct numerical simulation. Filtering operations rely on an invertible filter applied in a modal basis and preserving the C0-continuity across elements. No clipping on dynamic parameters was needed to preserve numerical stability

An Introduction to the Mechanics of Incompressible Fluids

This open access book allows the reader to grasp the main bulk of fluid flow problems at a brisk pace. Starting with the basic concepts of conservation laws developed using continuum mechanics, the incompressibility of a fluid is explained and modeled, leading to the famous Navier-Stokes equation that governs the dynamics of fluids. Some exact solutions for transient and steady-state cases in Cartesian and axisymmetric coordinates are proposed. A particular set of examples is associated with creeping or Stokes flows, where viscosity is the dominant physical phenomenon. Irrotational flows are treated by introducing complex variables. The use of the conformal mapping and the Joukowski transformation allows the treatment of the flow around an airfoil. The boundary layer theory corrects the earlier approach with the Prandtl equations, their solution for the case of a flat plate, and the von Karman integral equation. The instability of fluid flows is studied for parallel flows using the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. The stability of a circular Couette flow is also described. The book ends with the modeling of turbulence by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and large-eddy simulations. Each chapter includes useful practice problems and their solutions. The book is useful for engineers, physicists, and scientists interested in the fascinating field of fluid mechanics

Large-eddy simulation of the flow in a lid-driven cubical cavity

Large-eddy simulations of the turbulent flow in a lid-driven cubical cavity have been carried out at a Reynolds number of 12000 using spectral element methods. Two distinct subgrid-scales models, namely a dynamic Smagorinsky model and a dynamic mixed model, have been both implemented and used to perform long-lasting simulations required by the relevant time scales of the flow. All filtering levels make use of explicit filters applied in the physical space (on an element-by-element approach) and spectral (modal) spaces. The two subgrid-scales models are validated and compared to available experimental and numerical reference results, showing very good agreement. Specific features of lid-driven cavity flow in the turbulent regime, such as inhomogeneity of turbulence, turbulence production near the downstream corner eddy, small-scales localization and helical properties are investigated and discussed in the large-eddy simulation framework. Time histories of quantities such as the total energy, total turbulent kinetic energy or helicity exhibit different evolutions but only after a relatively long transient period. However, the average values remain extremely close

New Wet White/Chrome Free Process offering significant Environmental and Physical Property advantages from Beamhouse to Crust

Content: A combination of processing techniques and speciality chemicals has been developed to target environmental issues and legislation in the European leather industry, especially for automotive upholstery leather. This process combines new techniques in the beamhouse process through to the tanning process. Initial work on several different individual concepts showed some excellent improvements, but when these concepts have been brought together to form a single strategic process the advantages and improvements have exceeded expectations. The process demonstrates a reduction in the use of salt, formic acid and sulphuric acid. After more than two years of trials from small scale to full production in an automotive leather production environment, we are able to present independently test results showing the benefits of following this system. Briefly these include Improvement in tear and tensile strength results. Improved clarification with less suspended solids in the supernatant. Reduced COD in the supernatant and higher biodegradability COD/BOD. Less TDS in the supernatant. Chloride content reduction in the supernatant Sludge generation reduction. Less organic residues derived from the hide. Take-Away: A simple technique and small modifications to existing processing methods will reduce dramatically the environmental effects of wet white / chrome free tanning. This process can be used in any country in the world and answers many questions regarding reducing salt, BOD, COD, TDS etc