Parallel domain decomposition method for finite element approximation of 3D steady state non‐Newtonian fluids

We introduce a stabilized finite element method for the 3D non‐Newtonian Navier–Stokes equations and a parallel domain decomposition method for solving the sparse system of nonlinear equations arising from the discretization. Non‐Newtonian flow problems are, generally speaking, more challenging than Newtonian flows because the nonlinearities are not only in the convection term but also in the viscosity term, which depends on the shear rate. Many good iterative methods and preconditioning techniques that work well for the Newtonian flows do not work well for the non‐Newtonian flows. We employ a Galerkin/least squares finite element method, with stabilization parameters adjusted to count the non‐Newtonian effect, to discretize the equations, and the resulting highly nonlinear system of equations is solved by a Newton–Krylov–Schwarz algorithm. In this study, we apply the proposed method to some inelastic power‐law fluid flows through the eccentric annuli with inner cylinder rotation and investigate the robustness of the method with respect to some physical parameters, including the power‐law index and the Reynolds number ratios. We then report the superlinear speedup achieved by the domain decomposition algorithm on a computer with up to 512 processors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A spectral/hp least‐squares finite element analysis of the Carreau–Yasuda fluids

A least‐squares finite element model with spectral/hp approximations was developed for steady, two‐dimensional flows of non‐Newtonian fluids obeying the Carreau–Yasuda constitutive model. The finite element model consists of velocity, pressure, and stress fields as independent variables (hence, called a mixed model). Least‐squares models offer an alternative variational setting to the conventional weak‐form Galerkin models for the Navier–Stokes equations, and no compatibility conditions on the approximation spaces used for the velocity, pressure, and stress fields are necessary when the polynomial order (p) used is sufficiently high (say, p > 3, as determined numerically). Also, the use of the spectral/hp elements in conjunction with the least‐squares formulation with high p alleviates various forms of locking, which often appear in low‐order least‐squares finite element models for incompressible viscous fluids, and accurate results can be obtained with exponential convergence. To verify and validate, benchmark problems of Kovasznay flow, backward‐facing step flow, and lid‐driven square cavity flow are used. Then the effect of different parameters of the Carreau–Yasuda constitutive model on the flow characteristics is studied parametrically. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetohydrodynamic flow of a Sisko fluid in annular pipe: A numerical study

This paper presents a numerical study for the unsteady flow of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Sisko fluid in annular pipe. The fluid is assumed to be electrically conducting in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Based on the constitutive relationship of a Sisko fluid, the non‐linear equation governing the flow is first modelled and then numerically solved. The effects of the various parameters especially the power index n, the material parameter of the non‐Newtonian fluid b and the magnetic parameter B on the flow characteristics are explored numerically and presented through several graphs. Moreover, the shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening characteristics of the non‐Newtonian Sisko fluid are investigated and a comparison is also made with the Newtonian fluid. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thin film flow of non‐Newtonian MHD fluid on a vertically moving belt

Thin film flow of an Oldroyd 6‐constant fluid on a vertical moving belt is investigated analytically and numerically. The governing equations for the flow field are derived for a steady one‐dimensional flow. The effect of constant applied magnetic field is included and its influence on the flow field is studied. The nonlinear governing equations are solved analytically and the exact solution is obtained in an elegant way. Numerical solutions are also obtained using higher‐order Chebyshev spectral methods. The influence of various non‐Newtonian parameters, gravitational force and applied magnetic field is investigated. The results showing the effect of gravity, magnetic field and material constants α₁ and α₂ are presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wall modeling via function enrichment within a high‐order DG method for RANS simulations of incompressible flow

We present a novel approach to wall modeling for the Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations within the discontinuous Galerkin method. Wall functions are not used to prescribe boundary conditions as usual, but they are built into the function space of the numerical method as a local enrichment, in addition to the standard polynomial component. The Galerkin method then automatically finds the optimal solution among all shape functions available. This idea is fully consistent and gives the wall model vast flexibility in separated boundary layers or high adverse pressure gradients. The wall model is implemented in a high‐order discontinuous Galerkin solver for incompressible flow complemented by the Spalart‐Allmaras closure model. As benchmark examples, we present turbulent channel flow starting from Re_τ=180 and up to Re_τ=100000 as well as flow past periodic hills at Reynolds numbers based on the hill height of Re_H=10595 and Re_H=19000.     

A sensitivity analysis on the parameter of the GLS method for a second‐gradient theory of incompressible flow

Using a non‐conforming C⁰‐interior penalty method and the Galerkin least‐square approach, we develop a continuous–discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for discretizing fourth‐order incompressible flow problems. The formulation is weakly coercive for spaces that fail to satisfy the inf‐sup condition and consider discontinuous basis functions for the pressure field. We consider the results of a stability analysis through a lemma which indicates that there exists an optimal or quasi‐optimal least‐square stability parameter that depends on the polynomial degree used to interpolate the velocity and pressure fields, and on the geometry of the finite element in the mesh. We provide several numerical experiments illustrating such dependence, as well as the robustness of the method to deal with arbitrary basis functions for velocity and pressure, and the ability to stabilize large pressure gradients. We believe the results provided in this paper contribute for establishing a paradigm for future studies of the parameter of the Galerkin least square method for second‐gradient theory of incompressible flow problems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simulation of transient flow in pipelines for computer‐based operations monitoring

Computer models can provide the basis for real‐time monitoring and control of fluid flow in pipelines. Problems of fluid flow in pipelines are mathematically represented by a non‐linear system of coupled partial differential equations. In this paper, several numerical techniques are evaluated with respect to their suitability for the purpose of real‐time monitoring of fluid flow in pipelines. The proposed techniques are evaluated in terms of the L₁, the L₂, and the L_∞ error norms. Moreover, the developed simulators will be compared in terms of their speed of response and settling time which are essential factors for an effective real‐time monitoring scheme. Finally, the selected simulation scheme is further tested under assumed pipeline leak conditions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High‐order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element methods for transitional and turbulent flow simulations

In this paper, we investigate the accuracy and efficiency of discontinuous Galerkin spectral method simulations of under‐resolved transitional and turbulent flows at moderate Reynolds numbers, where the accurate prediction of closely coupled laminar regions, transition and developed turbulence presents a great challenge to large eddy simulation modelling. We take full advantage of the low numerical errors and associated superior scale resolving capabilities of high‐order spectral methods by using high‐order ansatz functions up to 12th order. We employ polynomial de‐aliasing techniques to prevent instabilities arising from inexact quadrature of nonlinearities. Without the need for any additional filtering, explicit or implicit modelling, or artificial dissipation, our high‐order schemes capture the turbulent flow at the considered Reynolds number range very well. Three classical large eddy simulation benchmark problems are considered: a circular cylinder flow at Re_D=3900, a confined periodic hill flow at Re_h=2800 and the transitional flow over a SD7003 airfoil at Re_c=60,000. For all computations, the total number of degrees of freedom used for the discontinuous Galerkin spectral method simulations is chosen to be equal or considerably less than the reported data in literature. In all three cases, we achieve an equal or better match to direct numerical simulation results, compared with other schemes of lower order with explicitly or implicitly added subgrid scale models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low Reynolds number k–ε model for near‐wall flow

A wall‐distance free k–ε turbulence model is developed that accounts for the near‐wall and low Reynolds number effects emanating from the physical requirements. The model coefficients/functions depend non‐linearly on both the strain rate and vorticity invariants. Included diffusion terms and modified C_ε(1,2) coefficients amplify the level of dissipation in non‐equilibrium flow regions, thus reducing the kinetic energy and length scale magnitudes to improve prediction of adverse pressure gradient flows, involving flow separation and reattachment. The model is validated against a few flow cases, yielding predictions in good agreement with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and experimental data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical and analytical solutions of an Oldroyd 8‐constant MHD fluid with nonlinear slip conditions

The flow of an Oldroyd 8‐constant non‐Newtonian MHD fluid is investigated analytically and numerically. The governing equations for the flow field are derived for a steady one‐dimensional flow. The effect of constant applied magnetic field is included and its influence on the flow field is studied. The nonlinear governing equation along with nonlinear boundary conditions is solved analytically and the solution is obtained in an elegant way. Numerical solutions are also obtained using higher order Chebyshev spectral methods. The influence of various non‐Newtonian parameters and applied magnetic field is investigated. Results showing the effect of various physical parameters of the flow are presented and investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three-dimensional flow of Newtonian and Boger fluids in square–square contractions

The flow of a Newtonian fluid and a Boger fluid through sudden square–square contractions was investigated experimentally aiming to characterize the flow and provide quantitative data for benchmarking in a complex three-dimensional flow. Visualizations of the flow patterns were undertaken using streak-line photography, detailed velocity field measurements were conducted using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pressure drop measurements were performed in various geometries with different contraction ratios. For the Newtonian fluid, the experimental results are compared with numerical simulations performed using a finite volume method, and excellent agreement is found for the range of Reynolds number tested (Re₂ ≤ 23). For the viscoelastic case, recirculations are still present upstream of the contraction but we also observe other complex flow patterns that are dependent on contraction ratio (CR) and Deborah number (De₂) for the range of conditions studied: CR = 2.4, 4, 8, 12 and De₂ ≤ 150. For low contraction ratios strong divergent flow is observed upstream of the contraction, whereas for high contraction ratios there is no upstream divergent flow, except in the vicinity of the re-entrant corner where a localized atypical divergent flow is observed. For all contraction ratios studied, at sufficiently high Deborah numbers, strong elastic vortex enhancement upstream of the contraction is observed, which leads to the onset of a periodic complex flow at higher flow rates. The vortices observed under steady flow are not closed, and fluid elasticity was found to modify the flow direction within the recirculations as compared to that found for Newtonian fluids. The entry pressure drop, quantified using a Couette correction, was found to increase with the Deborah number for the higher contraction ratios.     

On pressure separation algorithms (PSepA) for improving the accuracy of incompressible flow simulations

We investigate a special technique called ‘pressure separation algorithm’ (PSepA) (see Applied Mathematics and Computation 2005; 165 :275–290 for an introduction) that is able to significantly improve the accuracy of incompressible flow simulations for problems with large pressure gradients. In our numerical studies with the computational fluid dynamics package FEATFLOW ( www.featflow.de ), we mainly focus on low‐order Stokes elements with nonconforming finite element approximations for the velocity and piecewise constant pressure functions. However, preliminary numerical tests show that this advantageous behavior can also be obtained for higher‐order discretizations, for instance, with Q₂/P₁ finite elements. We analyze the application of this simple, but very efficient, algorithm to several stationary and nonstationary benchmark configurations in 2D and 3D (driven cavity and flow around obstacles), and we also demonstrate its effect to spurious velocities in multiphase flow simulations (‘static bubble’ configuration) if combined with edge‐oriented, resp., interior penalty finite element method stabilization techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient preconditioning techniques for finite‐element quadratic discretization arising from linearized incompressible Navier–Stokes equations

We develop an efficient preconditioning techniques for the solution of large linearized stationary and non‐stationary incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. These equations are linearized by the Picard and Newton methods, and linear extrapolation schemes in the non‐stationary case. The time discretization procedure uses the Gear scheme and the second‐order Taylor–Hood element P₂?P₁ is used for the approximation of the velocity and the pressure. Our purpose is to develop an efficient preconditioner for saddle point systems. Our tools are the addition of stabilization (penalization) term r?(div(·)), and the use of triangular block matrix as global preconditioner. This preconditioner involves the solution of two subsystems associated, respectively, with the velocity and the pressure and have to be solved efficiently. Furthermore, we use the P₁?P₂ hierarchical preconditioner recently proposed by the authors, for the block matrix associated with the velocity and an additive approach for the Schur complement approximation. Finally, several numerical examples illustrating the good performance of the preconditioning techniques are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of hybrid algorithms for the Navier–Stokes equations with respect to hydrodynamic stability theory

Hybrid three‐dimensional algorithms for the numerical integration of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are analyzed with respect to hydrodynamic stability in both linear and nonlinear fields. The computational schemes are mixed—spectral and finite differences—and are applied to the case of the channel flow driven by constant pressure gradient; time marching is handled with the fractional step method. Different formulations—fully explicit convective term, partially and fully implicit viscous term combined with uniform, stretched, staggered and non‐staggered meshes, x‐velocity splitted and non‐splitted in average and perturbation component – are analyzed by monitoring the evolution in time of both small and finite amplitude perturbations of the mean flow. The results in the linear field are compared with correspondent solutions of the Orr–Sommerfeld equation; in the nonlinear field, the comparison is made with results obtained by other authors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

BEM solution to magnetohydrodynamic flow in a semi‐infinite duct

We consider the magnetohydrodynamic flow that is laminar and steady of a viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting fluid in a semi‐infinite duct under an externally applied magnetic field. The flow is driven by the current produced by a pressure gradient. The applied magnetic field is perpendicular to the semi‐infinite walls that are kept at the same magnetic field value in magnitude but opposite in sign. The wall that connects the two semi‐infinite walls is partly non‐conducting and partly conducting (in the middle). A BEM solution was obtained using a fundamental solution that enables to treat the magnetohydrodynamic equations in coupled form with general wall conductivities. The inhomogeneity in the equations due to the pressure gradient was tackled, obtaining a particular solution, and the BEM was applied with a fundamental solution of coupled homogeneous convection–diffusion type partial differential equations. Constant elements were used for the discretization of the boundaries (y = 0, ?a ? x ? a) and semi‐infinite walls at x = ±a, by keeping them as finite since the boundary integral equations are restricted to these boundaries due to the regularity conditions as y → ∞ . The solution is presented in terms of equivelocity and induced magnetic field contours for several values of Hartmann number (M), conducting length (l), and non‐conducting wall conditions (k). The effect of the parameters on the solution is studied. Flow rates are also calculated for these values of parameters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparative study of two fast nonlinear free‐surface water wave models

This paper presents a comparison in terms of accuracy and efficiency between two fully nonlinear potential flow solvers for the solution of gravity wave propagation. One model is based on the high‐order spectral (HOS) method, whereas the second model is the high‐order finite difference model OceanWave3D. Although both models solve the nonlinear potential flow problem, they make use of two different approaches. The HOS model uses a modal expansion in the vertical direction to collapse the numerical solution to the two‐dimensional horizontal plane. On the other hand, the finite difference model simply directly solves the three‐dimensional problem. Both models have been well validated on standard test cases and shown to exhibit attractive convergence properties and an optimal scaling of the computational effort with increasing problem size. These two models are compared for solution of a typical problem: propagation of highly nonlinear periodic waves on a finite constant‐depth domain. The HOS model is found to be more efficient than OceanWave3D with a difference dependent on the level of accuracy needed as well as the wave steepness. Also, the higher the order of the finite difference schemes used in OceanWave3D, the closer the results come to the HOS model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Hermite finite element method for incompressible fluid flow

We describe some Hermite stream function and velocity finite elements and a divergence‐free finite element method for the computation of incompressible flow. Divergence‐free velocity bases defined on (but not limited to) rectangles are presented, which produce pointwise divergence‐free flow fields (∇· u _h≡0). The discrete velocity satisfies a flow equation that does not involve pressure. The pressure can be recovered as a function of the velocity if needed. The method is formulated in primitive variables and applied to the stationary lid‐driven cavity and backward‐facing step test problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal modulation and breakup of liquid jets

In this paper, we study the breakup behavior of Newtonian liquid and non‐Newtonian liquid jets with an arbitrary variation surface tension imposed along its length. The effect of duty cycle, fluid properties, and the various profiles of the surface tension is investigated. It is shown that the breakup behavior of a jet can be constructed by using the Fourier expansion of the surface tension profile. When the dimensionless wavenumber k is larger than 0.5, the jet breakup behavior is determined by the lowest frequency of the Fourier series expansion of the surface tension profile. As k decreases, higher frequency Fourier modes come to play. In general, for k between, 1∕(n+ 1) and 1∕n,n Fourier modes are needed to determine the jet breakup behavior. The current nonlinear model differs from the existing linear slender jet model in the literature in several ways. While the principle of superposition is valid for the linear model, it is not generally valid for the current nonlinear model. For the linear model, the jet will never break up when the wavenumber is larger than 1. The current model, however, shows clearly that the jet can indeed break up when the wavenumber is larger than 1. Furthermore, the current nonlinear model predicts a breakup time substantially higher than that from the linear model.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computing non‐Newtonian fluid flow with radial basis function networks

This paper is concerned with the application of radial basis function networks (RBFNs) for solving non‐Newtonian fluid flow problems. Indirect RBFNs, which are based on an integration process, are employed to represent the solution variables; the governing differential equations are discretized by means of point collocation. To enhance numerical stability, stress‐splitting techniques are utilized. The proposed method is verified through the computation of the rectilinear and non‐rectilinear flows in a straight duct and the axisymmetric flow in an undulating tube using Newtonian, power‐law, Criminale–Ericksen–Filbey (CEF) and Oldroyd‐B models. The obtained results are in good agreement with the analytic and benchmark solutions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.