Numerical simulation of complex flows of non-Newtonian fluids using the stream tube method and memory integral constitutive equations

In this paper a memory integral viscoelastic equation is considered for simulating complex flows of non-Newtonian fluids by stream tube analysis. A formalism is developed to take into account co-deformational memory equations in a mapped computational domain where the transformed streamlines are parallel and straight. The particle-tracking problem is avoided. Evolution in time and related kinematic quantities involved with a K-BKZ integral constitutive model are easily taken into account in evaluating the stresses. Successive subdomains, the stream tubes, may be considered for computing the main flow in abrupt axisymmetric contractions from the wall to the central flow region. The ‘peripheral stream tube’ close to the duct wall is determined by developing a non-conventional modified Hermite element. A mixed formulation is adopted and the relevant non-linear equations are solved numerically by the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Although the singularity at the section of contraction is not involved explicitly, the results obtained for the peripheral stream tube clearly show the singularity effects and the extent of the recirculating zone near the salient corner. The algorithm is stable even at high flow rates and provides satisfactory solutions when compared with similar calculations in the literature.     

Analysis of incompressible three-dimensional flows using the concept of stream tubes in relation with a transformation of the physical domain

This paper presents an analysis of three-dimensional flows based on the concept of stream tubes and streamlines. In the case of incompressible liquids, the physical domain can be transformed, under certain assumptions, into a cylinder where the streamlines are parallel straight lines. In contrast to classical methods, the unknown to be determined is the transformation between the two domains. This analysis generalizes the formulation already proposed for plane and axisymmetric flows.     

Prediction of thermal stratification in a curved duct with 3D body-fitted co-ordinates

This paper concerns a numerical prediction method for buoyancy-influenced flows using three-dimensional non-orthogonal curvilinear co-ordinates. The numerical analysis of the transformed governing equations for thermal hydraulics is based on a Lagrangian method, in which advected physical values are evaluated by local cubic spline interpolations with third-order accuracy in the three-dimensional computational domain. In addition, the buoyancy and diffusion terms are discretized in the Lagrangian scheme so as to have second-order accuracy with respect to time and space. The Neumann boundary conditions, which have been rather difficult for non-orthogonal co-ordinates to deal with, can be implemented by making use of normal vectors on the physical boundary surfaces and cubic spline interpolations. The developed numerical method is applied to the steady isothermal flow in a curved pipe and the unsteady stratified flow in a curved duct. Both of the predicted values are in good agreement with the experimental results and the validity of the prediction method is confirmed.     

Boundary element analysis of three-dimensional mixing flow of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids

The boundary element method (BEM) is implemented for the simulation of three-dimensional transient flows of typical relevance to mixing. Creeping Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids of the Maxwell type are examined. A boundary-only formulation in the time domain is proposed for linear viscoelastic flows. Special emphasis is placed on cavity flows involving simple- and multiple-connected moving domains. The BEM becomes particularly suited in multiple-connected flows, where part of the boundary (stirrer or rotor) is moving, and the remaining outer part (cavity or barrel) is at rest. In this case, conventional methods, such as the finite element method (FEM), generally require remeshing or mesh refinement of the three-dimensional fluid volume as the flow evolves and the domain of computation changes with time. The BEM is shown to be much easier to implement since the kinematics of the elements bounding the fluid is known (imposed). It is found that, for simple cavity flow induced by a rotating vane at constant angular velocity, the tractions at the vane tip and cavity face exhibit non-linear periodic dynamical behavior with time for fluids obeying linear constitutive equations. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of fluid flow in constricted tubes and ducts using body-fitted non-staggered grids

A finite volume method for the calculation of laminar and turbulent fluid flows inside constricted tubes and ducts is described. The selected finite volume method is based on curvilinear non-orthogonal co-ordinates (body-fitted co-ordinates) and a non-staggered grid arrangement. The grids are either generated by transfinite interpolation or an elliptic grid generator. The method is employed for calculation of laminar flows through a tube, a converging-diverging duct and different constricted tubes by both a two- and a three-dimensional computer program. In addition, turbulent flow through an axisymmetric constricted tube is calculated. Both the power law scheme and the second-order upwind scheme are used. The calculated results are compared with the experimental data and with other numerical solutions.     

A novel non-primitive Boundary Integral Equation Method for three-dimensional and axisymmetric Stokes flows

A new Boundary Integral Equation (BIE) formulation for Stokes flow is presented for three-dimensional and axisymmetrical problems using non-primitive variables, assuming velocity field is prescribed on the boundary. The formulation involves the vector potential, instead of the classical stream function, and all three components of the vorticity are implied. Furthermore, following the Helmholtz decomposition, a scalar potential is added to represent the solenoidal velocity field. Firstly, the BIEs for three-dimensional flows are formulated for the vector potential and the vorticity by employing the fundamental solutions in free space of vector Laplace and biharmonic equations. The equations for axisymmetric flows are then derived from the three-dimensional formulation in a second step. The outcome is a domain integral free BIE formulation for both three-dimensional and axisymmetric Stokes flows with prescribed velocity boundary condition. Numerical results are included to validate and show the efficiency of the proposed axisymmetric formulation.     

Aerodynamic shape optimization for unsteady three-dimensional flows

This paper presents an adjoint method for the optimum shape design of unsteady flows. The goal is to develop a set of discrete unsteady adjoint equations and the corresponding boundary condition for the non-linear frequency domain method. First, this paper presents the complete formulation of the time dependent optimal design problem. Second, we present the non-linear frequency domain adjoint equations for three-dimensional flows. Third, we present results that demonstrate the application of the theory to a three-dimensional wing.     

Three-dimensional steady supersonic duct flow using Lagrangian formulation

In this paper, numerical simulation of three-dimensional supersonic flow in a duct is presented. The flow field in the duct is complex and can find its applications in the inlet of air-breathing engines. A unique streamwise marching Lagrangian method is employed for solving the steady Euler equations. The method was first initiated by Loh and Hui (1990) for 2-D steady supersonic flow computations and then extended to 3-D computation by the present authors Loh and Liou (1992). The new scheme is shown to be capable of accurately resolving complicated shock or contact discontinuities and their interactions. In all the computations, a free stream of Mach numberM=4 is considered.This article was processed using Springer-Verlag T_EX Shock Waves macro package 1.0 and the AMS fonts, developed by the American Mathematical Society.     

Theoretical analysis of non-uniform extensional flows in relation to processing rheology and predictions of some constitutive equations

In this paper, a characteristic equation involving the stream function, already given by one of the authors in a previous work for classifying axisymmetric incompressible flows, is re-considered. Non-uniform nearly extensional flows are derived as particular solutions from this equation. Using experimental data in the literature for polymer solutions and melts, it is proved that particular solutions of the characteristic equation lead to kinematics very close to those encountered in the fiber-spinning process. The kinematic equations satisfactorily correlating the fiber-spinning data are used in order to determine the ability of constitutive equations to predict realistic stresses in the flow domain. The rheological parameters of the fluids, obtained from experiments, are used for computation of differential and integral constitutive equations in the spinning conditions. Comparisons with the stress response of adequate constitutive equations are given and discussed.Also affiliated to: Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble I and Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, Associé au CNRS (URA 1510)     

Analysis of plane and axisymmetric flows of incompressible fluids with the stream tube method: Numerical simulation by trust-region optimization algorithm

New concepts for the study of incompressible plane or axisymmetric flows are analysed by the stream tube method. Flows without eddies and pure vortex flows are considered in a transformed domain where the mapped streamlines are rectilinear or circular. The transformation between the physical domain and the computational domain is an unknown of the problem. In order to solve the non-linear set of relevant equations, we present a new algorithm based on a trust region technique which is effective for non-convex optimization problems. Experimental results show that the new algorithm is more robust compared to the Newton-Raphson method.     

Numerical simulations of non-stationary flows of non-Newtonian fluids between concentric and eccentric cylinders by stream-tube method and domain decomposition

This study involves a theoretical formulation of the stream-tube method in non-stationary flows. Initially, this approach allowed flow computations by determining an unknown transformation between the physical domain and a mapped domain where the streamlines are rectilinear and parallel. To take into account vortex zones, we define local transformations of subregions of the physical domain that are mapped into rectangular domains where the transformed streamlines are still parallel and straight. The local functions must be determined numerically from the governing equations and boundary conditions put together with compatibility equations. The method enables to compute streamlines and flow data at every time, using distinguishing properties, as verification of mass conservation and definition of rectangular meshes allowing to adopt finite-difference schemes. The numerical simulations concern different non-Newtonian fluids under various geometrical and kinematic specifications related to flows between concentric and eccentric cylinders, leading to comparisons with literature data. The results also highlight the influence of the rheological properties on the flow characteristics in unsteady conditions.     

Numerical study of flows of complex fluids between eccentric cylinders using transformation functions

In this paper, we investigate fluid flows between eccentric cylinders by means of two stream‐tube analyses. The first method considers a one‐to‐one global transformation function that allows the physical domain to be transformed into a mapped domain, used as computational domain, that involves concentric streamlines. The second approach uses local transformations and domain decomposition techniques to deal with mixed flow regimes. Both formulations are particularly adapted for handling time‐dependent constitutive equations, since particle‐tracking problems are avoided. Mass conservation is verified in both formulations and the relevant numerical procedure can be carried out using simple meshes built on the mapped streamlines. Fluids obeying anelastic and viscoelastic constitutive equations are considered in the calculations. The numerical results are consistent with those in the literature for the flow rates tested. Application of the method to the K‐BKZ memory‐integral constitutive equation highlights significant differences between the model predictions and those provided by more simple rheological models. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Boundary layer development in an MHD duct

This study presents a method of calculation for two-dimensional, steady-state, laminar flow in the entrance region of an MHD duct. The electrically conducting fluid in the free stream is compressible whereas the medium in the boundary layer itself is taken to be incompressible. Thus, the density is variable in the axial direction of the duct only, and the momentum and energy equations for the boundary layer are uncoupled. These equations are solved using an extended Von Kármán-Pohlhausen method as described by U. P. Hwang for a compressible MHD flow with zero electric field. In this study, however, the electric field is essentially not zero and the MHD duct can work as a generator. The equations of the insulator boundary layer are solved in the assumption that the displacement thickness of the electrode boundary layer equals that of the insulator boundary layer, so the total influence of the varying effective crossection on the free stream is taken into account. In this way a quick method of calculating the MHD flow in the entrance region of a duct is obtained.     

Incompressible Poiseuille flows of Newtonian liquids with a pressure-dependent viscosity

The pressure-dependence of the viscosity becomes important in flows where high pressures are encountered. Applications include many polymer processing applications, microfluidics, fluid film lubrication, as well as simulations of geophysical flows. Under the assumption of unidirectional flow, we derive analytical solutions for plane, round, and annular Poiseuille flow of a Newtonian liquid, the viscosity of which increases linearly with pressure. These flows may serve as prototypes in applications involving tubes with small radius-to-length ratios. It is demonstrated that, the velocity tends from a parabolic to a triangular profile as the viscosity coefficient is increased. The pressure gradient near the exit is the same as that of the classical fully developed flow. This increases exponentially upstream and thus the pressure required to drive the flow increases dramatically.     

Modelling of turbulent flow in gas-turbine blading: achievements and prospects

Some of the problems associated with applying currently available viscous flow calculation schemes to turbulent flow in gas-turbine blading and passages are reviewed. These flows pose severe difficulties in both numerics and turbulence modelling, although the main emphasis here is on the latter aspect. Since complex strain fields and strong body forces are an intrinsic part of flow in turbomachinery, it is preferable that the turbulence modelling of these flows be based on an approximation of the Reynolds stress transport equations themselves. Some current views on closure approximations for these equations are discussed. Applications considered include the effects of free stream turbulence and streamline curvature, the mixing of blade wakes, and the three-dimensional flows that arise in a 90° bend and in the corner boundary layer near a blade root     

Solution of pressure diffusion in radially composite reservoirs

This paper presents a new general method for solving the pressure-diffusion equation in cylindrically radial composite reservoirs, where the rock and fluid properties may change radially as a function ofr. Composite systems, such as formations with wellbore filtrate invasion and reservoirs with peripheral water encroachment, can be encountered as a result of drilling, secondary oil recovery, and water influx.The new solution method utilizes the reflection and transmission concept of electromagnetics to solve fluid flow problems in three-dimensional cylindrically radial reservoirs, where heterogeneity is in only one direction. The Green's function for a point source in a three-dimensional radially composite system is developed by using the reflection and transmission method. The method as well as the point source solution are sufficiently general that they may be applied to similar fluid flow and well testing problems involving single-phase flow.     

Semi-implicit finite difference methods for three-dimensional shallow water flow

A semi-implicit finite difference method for the numerical solution of three-dimensional shallow water flows is presented and discussed. The governing equations are the primitive three-dimensional turbulent mean flow equations where the pressure distribution in the vertical has been assumed to be hydrostatic. In the method of solution a minimal degree of implicitness has been adopted in such a fashion that the resulting algorithm is stable and gives a maximal computational efficiency at a minimal computational cost. At each time step the numerical method requires the solution of one large linear system which can be formally decomposed into a set of small three-diagonal systems coupled with one five-diagonal system. All these linear systems are symmetric and positive definite. Thus the existence and uniquencess of the numerical solution are assured. When only one vertical layer is specified, this method reduces as a special case to a semi-implicit scheme for solving the corresponding two-dimensional shallow water equations. The resulting two- and three-dimensional algorithm has been shown to be fast, accurate and mass-conservative and can also be applied to simulate flooding and drying of tidal mud-flats in conjunction with three-dimensional flows. Furthermore, the resulting algorithm is fully vectorizable for an efficient implementation on modern vector computers.     

Analysis of shear-thinning fluid flow in intermeshing twin-screw extruders

Summary The paper deals with the analysis of three-dimensional incompressible flows of generalized Newtonian liquids in corotating twin-screw equipment where the fluid-filled region is rather complex and changes in time as the screws rotate. Taking notice of the fact that the flow fields are periodic in time and, simultaneously, periodic in axial direction, a mixed finite element method is applied for the sake of discretization. The resulting systems of nonlinear algebraic equations are treated by a Newton iteration where the linear subproblems with indefinite sparse coefficient matrices are solved by applying a modified Uzawa algorithm. By simulating different working conditions, the screw characteristics are extracted numerically, and the influence of Deborah number is demonstrated. Selected flow fields are visualized grafically illustrating the intermeshing screw operation principle and demonstrating certain symmetries connected with the kinematic reversibility of nonlinear viscous creeping flows. Accepted for publication 7 July 1996