Currently, in the field of reactor physics, there is a drive for high fidelity, numerical simulations of reactors for the purposes of design and analysis. Since the behavior of a reactor is dependent on various physical phenomena, high fidelity simulations must be able to accurately couple these different types of physics. This is the essence of multiphysics simulations. In order to accurately simulate the thermal behavior of a reactor, the physics of neutron transport must be coupled to the fluid flow and solid phase conduction occurring within the reactor. This thesis develops a computational fluid dynamics solver for this purpose. The solver is based on the PCICE solution algorithm and employs cell-centered finite volumes. In addition to the fluid dynamics solver, a newly developed form of conjugate heat transfer is implemented. This implementation tightly couples the physics of solid phase heat conduction with the fluid dynamics in an efficient and consistent manner. Finally, the radiation transport code EVENT is used to provide heat generation data to the fluids solver. Using this fluids solver, several benchmark problems are analyzed and the formulation is validated.

In this thesis, the numerical solution of time-dependent partial differential equations (PDE) is studied. In particular high-order finite difference methods on Summation-by-parts (SBP) form are analysed and applied to model problems as well as the PDEs governing aerodynamics. The SBP property together with an implementation of boundary conditions called SAT (Simultaneous Approximation Term), yields stability by energy estimates. The first derivative SBP operators were originally derived for Cartesian grids. Since aerodynamic computations are the ultimate goal, the scheme must also be stable on curvilinear grids. We prove that stability on curvilinear grids is only achieved for a subclass of the SBP operators. Furthermore, aerodynamics often requires addition of artificial dissipation and we derive an SBP version. With the SBP-SAT technique it is possible to split the computational domain into a multi-block structure which simplifies grid generation and more complex geometries can be resolved. To resolve extremely complex geometries an unstructured discretisation method must be used. Hence, we have studied a finite volume approximation of the Laplacian. It can be shown to be on SBP form and a new boundary treatment is derived. Based on the Laplacian scheme, we also derive an SBP artificial dissipation for finite volume schemes. We derive a new set of boundary conditions that leads to an energy estimate for the linearised three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The new boundary conditions will be used to construct a stable SBP-SAT discretisation. To obtain an energy estimate for the discrete equation, it is necessary to discretise all the second derivatives by using the first derivative approximation twice. According to previous theory that would imply a degradation of formal accuracy but we present a proof that this is not the case.

In this thesis, stable and efficient hybrid methods which combine high order finite difference methods and unstructured finite volume methods for time-dependent initial boundary value problems have been developed. The hybrid methods make it possible to combine the efficiency of the finite difference method and the flexibility of the finite volume method. We carry out a detailed analysis of the stability of the hybrid methods, and in particular the stability of interface treatments between structured and unstructured blocks. Both the methods employ so called summation-by-parts operators and impose boundary and interface conditions weakly, which lead to an energy estimate and stability. We have constructed and analyzed first-, second- and fourth-order Laplacian based artificial dissipation operators for finite volume methods on unstructured grids. The first-order artificial dissipation can handle shock waves, and the fourth-order artificial dissipation eliminates non-physical numerical oscillations efficiently. A stable hybrid method for hyperbolic problems has been developed. It is shown that the stability at the interface can be obtained by modifying the dual grid of the unstructured finite volume method close to the interface. The hybrid method is applied to the Euler equation by the coupling of two stand-alone CFD codes. Since the coupling is administered by a third separate coupling code, the hybrid method allows for individual development of the stand-alone codes. It is shown that the hybrid method is an accurate, efficient and practically useful computational tool that can handle complex geometries and wave propagation phenomena. Stable and accurate interface treatments for the linear advection–diffusion equation have been studied. Accurate high-order calculation are achieved in multiple blocks with interfaces. Three stable interface procedures — the Baumann–Oden method, the “borrowing” method and the local discontinuous Galerkin method, have been investigated. The analysis shows that only minor differences separate the different interface handling procedures. A conservative stable and efficient hybrid method for a parabolic model problem has been developed. The hybrid method has been applied to the full Navier–Stokes equations. The numerical experiments support the theoretical conclusions and show that the interface coupling is stable and converges at the correct order for the Navier–Stokes equations.

Wound healing is governed by a complex cascade of related processes, involving cells, extracellular matrix and cytokines. In adults this always results in a scar whilst embryonic wound healing is scarless and extensive research worldwide is aimed at reducing scarring in adults. A mathematical framework for problems in dermal wound healing is developed that incorporates models of the individual processes involved. Cells are modelled as discrete individuals. Cytokines and other biologically active factors are modelled as continua. A novel tensorial approach is taken to modelling the extracellular matrix. The numeric and computational challenges associated with combining models for the individual processes are identified and investigated. These include the development of data structures and numeric methods for the continuous and discrete species. Effective visualisation methods for the large amounts of data generated by the model are also discussed. The possibilities offered by high performance computing in mathematical biology are highlighted in this work. The final part of this thesis gives an example of a combined model of the inflammatory and proliferative phases of dermal wound healing using the new computational framework. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to analyse the information-rich data sets generated by the model, offering insight into the dynamic systems that can be modelled using the new approach.

Thèse (D.Eng.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 2001. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 165-171).

This thesis considers the application of the type II third order WENO finite volume reconstruction for unstructured tetrahedral meshes proposed by Zhang and Shu in (CCP, 2009) and the third order multirate Runge-Kutta time-stepping to the solution of Maxwell's equations. The dependance of accuracy of the third order WENO scheme on the small parameter in the definition of non-linear weights is studied in detail for one-dimensional uniform meshes and numerical results confirming the theoretical analysis are presented for the linear advection equation. This analysis is found to be crucial in the design of the efficient three-dimensional WENO scheme, full details of which are presented. Several multirate Runge-Kutta (MRK) schemes which advance the solution with local time-steps assigned to different multirate groups are studied. Analysis of accuracy of three different MRK approaches for linear problems based on classic order-conditions is presented. The most flexible and efficient multirate schemes based on works by Tang and Warnecke (JCM, 2006) and Liu, Li and Hu (JCP, 2010) are implemented in three-dimensional finite volume time-domain (FVTD) method. The main characteristics of chosen MRK schemes are flexibility in defining the time-step ratios between multirate groups and consistency of the scheme. Various approaches to partition the three-dimensional computational domain into multirate groups to maximize the achievable speedup are discussed. Numerical experiments with three-dimensional electromagnetic problems are presented to validate the performance of the proposed FVTD method. Three-dimensional results agree with theoretical and numerical accuracy analysis performed for the one-dimensional case. The proposed implementation of multirate schemes demonstrates greater speedup than previously reported in literature. / February 2016

Esta tese apresenta os resultados da utilização de superfícies com microcanais como método de controle passivo de escoamento visando à redução do arrasto turbulento. Obtém-se essa redução pelo aumento da anisotropia das tensões de Reynolds junto à parede, situação em que o estado da turbulência se torna localmente axissimétrico e a uma componente. Utilizam-se as equações de Navier-Stokes para formular os escoamentos e o modelo de transporte de Tensões de Reynolds para computar as quantidades turbulentas. Aproximam-se essas equações pelo Método dos Volumes Finitos e a solução numérica é computada com o solucionador Star-CCM+ v. 8.06. Propõe-se um modelo de predição de redução de arrasto para uma placa plana com microcanais de seção retangular e dimensões geométricas variáveis, aplicando a formulação e o método numérico para calcular a anisotropia das tensões de Reynolds, o estado da turbulência e a redução de arrasto relativamente a uma placa de superfície lisa e de mesma área molhada. No capítulo de análise e discussão emprega-se o triângulo de Lumley-Pope para determinar o estado da turbulência e a trajetória de retorno à isotropia do escoamento, após verificar a incerteza numérica e validar o resultado com o modelo de predição e o da teoria da placa plana. Conduzem-se as análises quantitativas examinando as tensões de cisalhamento, as tensões de Reynolds e a morfologia do escoamento em pontos do interior e em superfícies lisas e adjacentes aos microcanais. Conclui-se apresentando uma visão geral dos resultados e propondo alternativas de desdobramento e continuidade deste trabalho. / The potential reduction of turbulent drag is investigated for flows over a flat plate with streamwise aligned microgrooves. For this purpose, the connection between the anisotropy of the Reynolds stresses and drag reduction effect is presented, and a model is developed in order to estimate the drag reduction potential according to flow and geometrical settings. The Navier-Stokes transport equations particularized for incompressible flows are used to describe the fluid motion, and the turbulence quantities are evaluated using the linear pressure-strain Reynolds stress transport model. The quantities are estimated using the Finite-Volume Method, which is applied to a set of grids with different refinement levels and groove topologies. After validating the numerical results against the predictions of the proposed model, and the theoretical estimates available in the literature, the author discusses the drag reducing effect by examining the state of turbulence in the microgrooves, also providing an assessment on the anisotropy of the Reynolds Stresses inside, near and outside the grooves. In the final chapter, conclusions are drawn, and outlooks of possible extensions to this work are suggested.

Este trabalho tem como propósito investigar como a variação geométrica de determinados parâmetros envolvidos na construção de uma geometria bifurcada de seção circular, em forma de Y, afeta a resistência ao escoamento, tanto de fluidos newtonianos como não newtonianos. As geometrias estudadas foram construídas utilizando-se o princípio do Design Construtal. Os parâmetros variados foram a relação entre os comprimentos dos dutos pais e filhos, a relação entre os diâmetros dos mesmos dutos, e o ângulo central da estrutura em forma de Y. Para as relações geométricas lineares foram utilizados os valores de 0,5; 0,6; 0,7; 0,8; 0,9 e 1, enquanto para os ângulos, foram utilizados os valores de 155°, 135°, 115°, 95°, 75°, 45°, 25° e 10°. Os fluidos utilizados foram do tipo newtoniano e não newtoniano, dentre estes últimos, foram estudados fluidos pseudoplásticos e dilatantes. O trabalho foi realizado através de simulações numéricas, implementadas com a utilização do software comercial Ansys Fluent, o qual resolve as equações governantes através do método dos volumes finitos. As malhas utilizadas foram do tipo poliédrica. Os resultados indicam que há uma diferença em relação ao que se espera da literatura para as relações entre os diâmetros e os comprimentos. A Lei Hess-Murray indica que estas relações ótimas seriam de 2-1/3 para as relações entre os diâmetros e comprimentos. No presente trabalho, foram determinadas relações entre os diâmetros próximas de 0,6, e entre os comprimentos, iguais a 1. Os ângulos ótimos ficaram localizados no intervalo entre 100° e 135°. / This work aims to investigate how the geometric variation of certain parameters involved in the construction of a bifurcated Y-shaped circular cross-section geometry affects the flow resistance of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The geometries studied were constructed using the Constructal Design principle. The parameters were the relationship between the lengths of the daughter and parent ducts, the relationship between the diameters of the same ducts, and the central angle of the Y-shaped structure. For the linear geometric relations, values of 0.5; 0.6; 0.7; 0.8; 0.9 and 1 where used, for the angles, the values of 155 °, 135 °, 115 °, 95°, 75 °, 45 °, 25 ° and 10 ° were used. The fluids used were of the Newtonian and non-Newtonian type, among the latter, pseudo plastic and dilatant fluids were studied. The work was carried out through numerical simulations, implemented with the commercial software Ansys Fluent, which solves the governing equations through the finite volume method. The meshes used were of the polyhedral type. The results indicate that there is a difference in relation to what is expected from the literature for the relationships between diameters and lengths. The Hess-Murray Law indicates that these optimal relations would be 2-1/3 for the relationships between diameters and lengths. In the present work, relationships between the diameters close to 0,6 were found and s equal to 1 between the lengths. The optimum angles were located in the range between 100 ° and 135 °.

[pt] O acoplamento fluido-mecânico como é conhecido o efeito tanto do meio poroso no meio fluido, quanto do efeito do meio fluido no meio poroso, possui uma ampla aplicabilidade em diversos campos da engenharia, tornando-se um importante objeto de estudo. O presente trabalho analisa alguns modelos acoplados de deformação e fluxo, particularmente fluxo bifásico e acoplamento com deformação, levando-se em consideração a não linearidade física do solo. A análise de fluxo em condição bifásica pode conduzir a instabilidade, devido à característica parabólica-hiperbólica das equações governantes, bem como o método empregado para soluções das mesmas, podendo não capturar satisfatoriamente condições de heterogeneidade do meio geológico. Sendo assim, são estudadas formulações numéricas capazes de contornar essas dificuldades e ainda empregadas em condição acoplada com o problema de deformação. Emprega-se inicialmente o método dos elementos finitos, MEF, para solução do problema acoplado com fluxo bifásico, em sequência uma formulação mista em que se resolve a equação da pressão através do MEF, e intermediariamente utilizam-se métodos de melhor aproximação da velocidade como os elementos de Raviart-Thomas de mais baixa ordem e solução da equação da saturação pelo método dos volumes finitos, MVF, com esquema de interpolação de alta ordem para captura de frente de saturação. Ainda assim é apresentada uma formulação em que se emprega o método dos elementos finitos descontínuos, MEFD, apresentado em Hoteit (2008), que no presente trabalho é acoplada com o problema de deformação utilizando um procedimento staggered para solução iterativa de ambos os sistemas. São apresentados exemplos que validam as diversas formulações e que destacam as propriedades de cada uma das formulações, com vantagens e desvantagem nas suas aplicações. / [en] The fluid-mechanical coupling is known as the effect of both the porous media in a fluid as the fluid in porous media, it has been studied intensively in past years and in recent years, given its importance in various application fields of engineering. This works studies numerical models of coupled deformation and flow, considering coupled two-phase flow and deformation, taking into account the nonlinear soil behavior. The numerical analysis of two-phase flow can lead to instabilities due to parabolic-hyperbolic character of the governing equations and the method employed does not adequately capture the heterogeneity of the geological environment. Thus, we analyze the numerical formulations capable of overcoming these difficulties and to be employed on coupled condition with deformation. Initially the finite element method, FEM, is employed for solution of the coupled two-phase flow problem. Another formulation is employed in a mixed basis, the pressure equation is solved through the FEM, solution of the equation of saturation by finite volume method, FVM, using interpolation scheme with high order to capture the saturation front. In an intermediate step, it is employing methods to better pos-processing the velocity filed as the lowest-order Raviart- Thomas finite elements. Finally, it is presented a formulation that employs the discontinuous finite element method, DFEM, presented in Hoteit et al (2008), is coupled in this work with the problem of deformation using a staggered procedure for iterative solution of the systems. Examples are presented that validate the various formulations and highlight the properties of each formulation, with advantages and disadvantages in their applications.