Regularization modeling for large-eddy simulation of diffusion flames

We analyze the evolution of a diffusion flame in a turbulent mixing layer using large-eddy simulation. The large-eddy simulation includes Leray regularization of the convective transport and approximate inverse filtering to represent the chemical source terms. The Leray model is compared to the more conventional dynamic mixed model. The location of the flame-center is defined by the 'stoichiometric' interface. Geometrical properties such as its surface-area and wrinkling are characterized using an accurate numerical level-set quadrature method. This allows to quantify flame-properties as well as turbulence modulation effects due to coupling between combustion and turbulent transport. We determine the active flame-region that is responsible for the main part of the chemical conversion in the flame and compare direct and large-eddy simulation predictions

Buoyant turbulent mixing in shear layers

Buoyancy effects in unstably stratified mixing layers express themselves through gravity currents of heavy fluid which propagate in an ambient lighter fluid. These currents are encountered in numerous geophysical flows, industrial safety and environmental protection issues. During transition to turbulence a strong distortion of the separating interface between regions containing `heavy' or `light' fluid arises. The complexity of this interface will be used to monitor the progress of the mixing. We concentrate on the enhancement of surface-area and `surface-wrinkling' of the separating interface as a result of gravity-effects. We also show that this process can be simulated quite accurately using large-eddy simulation with dynamic subgrid modeling. However, the subgrid resolution, defined as the ratio between filter-width Delta and grid-spacing h, should be sufficiently high to avoid contamination due to spatial discretization error effects.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures; to appear in Proceedings ETC9, Eds: I.P. Castro and P.E. Hancock, CIMNE, Barcelona, 200

The reptating rope model: Viscometric functions for concentrated polymer solutions and melts in shear flow

The viscometric functions for shear flow as predicted by the inextensible reptating rope model have been analysed numerically and analytically. The results obtained are compared with the predictions of the Curtiss—Bird theory. It is shown that if the correlation length of the rope is small as compared to its contour length significant deviations from the Curtiss—Bird theory are obtained. Results are presented for: (a) the onset of shear flow, (b) steady state shear flow and (c) small amplitude oscillatory shear flow

Regularization modeling for large-eddy simulation

A new modeling approach for large-eddy simulation (LES) is obtained by combining a `regularization principle' with an explicit filter and its inversion. This regularization approach allows a systematic derivation of the implied subgrid-model, which resolves the closure problem. The central role of the filter in LES is fully restored, i.e., both the interpretation of LES predictions in terms of direct simulation results as well as the corresponding subgrid closure are specified by the filter. The regularization approach is illustrated with `Leray-smoothing' of the nonlinear convective terms. In turbulent mixing the new, implied subgrid model performs favorably compared to the dynamic eddy-viscosity procedure. The model is robust at arbitrarily high Reynolds numbers and correctly predicts self-similar turbulent flow development.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Physics of Fluid

Complexes of block copolymers in solution: tree approximation

We determine the statistical properties of block copolymer complexes in solution. These complexes are assumed to have the topological structure of (i) a tree or of (ii) a line-dressed tree. In case the structure is that of a tree, the system is shown to undergo a gelation transition at sufficiently high polymer concentration. However, if the structure is that of a line-dressed tree, this transition is absent. Hence, we show the assumption about the topological structure to be relevant for the statistical properties of the system. We determine the average size of the complexes and calculate the viscosity of the system under the assumption that the complexes geometrically can be treated as porous spheres

Chaotic motion of a harmonically bound charged particle in a magnetic field, in the presence of a half-plane barrier

The motion in the plane of an harmonically bound charged particle interacting with a magnetic field and a half-plane barrier along the positive x-axis is studied. The magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane in which the particle moves. This motion is integrable in between collisions of the particle with the barrier. However, the overall motion of the particle is very complicated. Chaotic regions in phase space exist next to island structures associated with linearly stable periodic orbits. We study in detail periodic orbits of low period and in particular their bifurcation behavior. Independent sequences of period doubling bifurcations and resonant bifurcations are observed associated with independent fixed points in the Poincaré section. Due to the perpendicular magnetic field an orientation is induced on the plane and time-reversal symmetry is broken.\u

Optimal model parameters for multi-objective large-eddy simulations

A methodology is proposed for the assessment of error dynamics in large-eddy simulations. It is demonstrated that the optimization of model parameters with respect to one flow property can be obtained at the expense of the accuracy with which other flow properties are predicted. Therefore, an approach is introduced which allows to assess the total errors based on various flow properties simultaneously. We show that parameter settings exist, for which all monitored errors are "near optimal," and refer to such regions as "multi-objective optimal parameter regions." We focus on multi-objective errors that are obtained from weighted spectra, emphasizing both large- as well small-scale errors. These multi-objective optimal parameter regions depend strongly on the simulation Reynolds number and the resolution. At too coarse resolutions, no multi-objective optimal regions might exist as not all error-components might simultaneously be sufficiently small. The identification of multi-objective optimal parameter regions can be adopted to effectively compare different subgrid models. A comparison between large-eddy simulations using the Lilly-Smagorinsky model, the dynamic Smagorinsky model and a new Re-consistent eddy-viscosity model is made, which illustrates this. Based on the new methodology for error assessment the latter model is found to be the most accurate and robust among the selected subgrid models, in combination with the finite volume discretization used in the present study

Risk and Real Estate Investment: An International Perspective

The literature regarding portfolio analysis for institutional real estate investors has until now largely been concerned with benefits associated with naive diversification strategies. In this paper, we discuss the prospects that institutional characteristics suggest for risk reduction in internationally diversified portfolios. The risk/return relationship of each country is affected by its own unique institutional environment and therefore there are potential benefits for investors. We argue that, given the significant differences in the institutional framework across countries, there are likely impacts on returns and that this fact deserves the attention of institutional investors.