Estimation of Macrodispersion by Different Approximation Methods for Flow and Transport in Randomly Heterogeneous Media

We present two- and three-dimensional calculations for the longitudinal and transverse macrodispersion coefficient for conservative solutes derived by particle tracking in a velocity field which is based on the linearized flow equation. The simulations were performed upto 5000 correlation lengths in order to reach the asymptotic regime. We used a simulation method which does not need any grid and therefore allows simulations of very large transport times and distances.Our findings are compared with results obtained from linearized transport, from Corrsin's Conjecture and from renormalization group methods. All calculations are performed with and without local dispersion. The variance of the logarithm of the hydraulic conductivity field was chosen to be one to investigate realistic model cases.While in two dimensions the linear transport approximation seems to be very good even for this high variance of the logarithmic hydraulic conductivity, in three dimensions renormalization group results are closer to the numerical calculations. Here Dagan's theory and the theory of Gelhar and Axness underestimate the transverse macrodispersion by far. Corrsin's Conjecture always overestimates the transverse dispersion. Local dispersion does not significantly influence the asymptotic behavior of the various approximations examined for two-dimensional and three-dimensional calculations.     

Some Applications of Mass Transport to Gaussian-Type Inequalities

As discovered by Brenier, mapping through a convex gradient gives the optimal transport in ? ⁿ . In the present article, this map is used in the setting of Gaussian-like measures to derive an inequality linking entropy with mass displacement by a straightforward argument. As a consequence, logarithmic Sobolev and transport inequalities are recovered. Finally, a result of Caffarelli on the Brenier map is used to obtain Gaussian correlation inequalities.     

A Resistance-Integral Natural-Coordinate Method for Diffusive Transport

Numerical models of diffusive transport, commonly considered as approximate solvers of the partial differential equation, focus on evaluation of gradients at a point. Gradient-approximation inaccuracies manifest themselves as errors in conductances and capacitances that enter into matrices that are finally solved. In turn, these errors arise from a lack of consideration of flow geometry in the point’s vicinity. In order to improve accuracy, flow geometry may be incorporated into evaluation of conductances and capacitances by choosing segments of flow tubes as volume elements. Flow tubes, inherent in the initial conditions, can be generated using appropriate interpolation schemes that are built into contouring algorithms. The principal task is to structure contouring tools in such a way as to generate information to facilitate accurate evaluation of conductances and capacitances. The logical framework of this novel approach is founded on the contributions of Maxwell, who visualized a flow domain as a collection of flow tubes, Ohm, who introduced the notion of resistance of a finite body, and Fick, who introduced a differential equation for diffusive flow through a tube of non-uniform cross section. Computer-graphics capability to implement this approach has become available only over the past two decades. Casting aside the notion of a point, the new paradigm is to evaluate flow-resistance over finite distances. The method suggested is referred to as a Resistance-Integral Natural-Coordinate Method (RINC). Formulated from first principles, this method dispenses with the differential equation as an intermediary to formulate the numerical equations. It proceeds directly from the physical problem to its numerical representation.     

A Stability Criterion for Two-Fluid Interfaces and Applications

We derive a new stability criterion for two-fluid interfaces that ensures the existence of “stable” local solutions that do not break down too fast due to Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities. It can be seen both as a two-fluid generalization of the Rayleigh–Taylor criterion and as a nonlinear version of the Kelvin stability condition. We show that gravity can control the inertial effects of the shear up to frequencies that are high enough for the surface tension to play a relevant role. This explains why surface tension is a necessary condition for well-posedness while the (low frequency) main dynamics of interfacial waves are unaffected by it. In order to derive a practical version of this criterion, we work with a nondimensionalized version of the equations and allow for the possibility of various asymptotic regimes, such as the shallow water limit. This limit being singular, we have to derive a new symbolic analysis of the Dirichlet–Neumann operator that includes an infinitely smoothing “tail” accounting for the contribution of the bottom. We then validate our criterion by comparison with experimental data in two important settings: air–water interfaces and internal waves. The good agreement we observe allows us to discuss the scenario of wave breaking and the behavior of water-brine interfaces, and to propose a formula for the maximal amplitude of interfacial waves. We also show how to rigorously justify two-fluid asymptotic models used for applications and how to relate some of their properties to Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities.     

A NEW TWO-POINT ADAPTIVENONLINEAR APPROXIMATION METHOD FOR RELIABILITY ANALYSIS

I. INTRODUCTION Reliability analysis is becoming increasingly important in structural design. Over the years, manyresearchers have been involved in the evaluation of failure probability and many methods have beenpresented for structural reliability anal…     

A Measurement Technique for Shock Wave-Loaded Structures and Its Applications

In engineering problems it is necessary to predict the deformations of structural elements subjected to shock waves. In the literature a wide range of structural theories, constitutive equations and simulation techniques is available in order to simulate the occurring deformations. However, an objective statement about the accuracy of calculated structural deformations is only possible by comparing these results to experiments. In the present work a measurement technique with shock tubes is introduced which was especially developed to measure fast deections of plates during the impulse duration. This technique provides a possibility to validate and to improve constitutive and structural theories. Furthermore, very precise measurements can be performed in order to observe limit states and buckling of repeatedly loaded plates. These applications are shown in this study.     

Numerical Analysis of the Branched Forms of Bending for a Rod

Nonlinear boundary–value problems of plane bending of elastic arches subjected to uniformly distributed loading are solved numerically by the shooting method. The problems are formulated for a system of sixth–order ordinary differential equations that are more general than the Euler equations. Four variants of rod loading by transverse and longitudinal forces are considered. Branching of the solutions of boundary–value problems and the existence of intersected and isolated branches are shown. In the case of a translational longitudinal force, the classical Euler elasticas are obtained. The existence of a unique (rectilinear) form of equilibrium upon compression of a rod by a following longitudinal force is shown.     

Finite Elements and Approximation

Experimental Techniques -     

A Fractal Model for Oil Transport in Tight Porous Media

Tight porous media are mainly composed of micro/nano-pores and throats, which leads to obvious microscale effect and nonlinear seepage characteristics. Based on the capillary bundle model and the fractal theory, a new nonlinear seepage equation was deduced, and a further fractal permeability model was obtained for oil transport in tight porous media by considering the effect of the boundary layer. The predictions of the model were then compared with experimental data to demonstrate that the model is valid. This model clarifies the oil transport mechanisms in tight porous media: the effective permeability is no longer a constant value and is governed by properties of tight porous media and oil. Furthermore, parameters influencing effective permeability were analyzed. The model can accurately present the seepage characteristics of the oil in tight porous media and provide a reliable basis for the development of unconventional reservoirs.     

A Generalized Fourier Approximation in Anti-plane Cosserat Elasticity

In the present paper we use the modification of Kupradze’s method of generalized Fourier series for the treatment of interior and exterior Dirichlet and Neumann boundary-value problems arising in a linear theory of anti-plane elasticity which includes the effects of material microstructure.     

A Two-Dimensional Tabulated Flamelet Combustion Model for Furnace Applications

A new tabulated chemistry approach for representing turbulent combustion in industrial furnaces is presented. This model is based on the tabulation of two dimensional diffusion flamelets to account for ternary mixtures between fuel, oxidant and burned gases which are integrated over probability density functions. To avoid excessive CPU time for the table generation, the calculation of the two dimensional flamelets is performed using the method proposed in the ADF-PCM (Approximated Diffusion Flame - Presumed Conditional Moment) approach: only the equation for the progress variable is solved, instead of the equations for all species. The progress variable reaction rate is given by a table of homogeneous reactors using the DHR model (Diluted Homogeneous Reactor) proposed by Locci et al. These approximated diffusion flames are first compared to exact diffusion flames computed using the flamelet equations and the chemistry for all species. The resulting model, called A2DF (Approximate 2 Dimensional Flamelet) is then applied to the RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulations of Sandia Flames D and F, showing a good agreement with experimental measurements. Finally, this model is applied to the flameless and conventional combustion cases of the burner of Verissimo et al., showing a correct agreement for temperature and species predictions.     

A Resistance Model for Newtonian and Power-Law Non-Newtonian Fluid Transport in Porous Media

A theoretical model based on the force balance between pressure, viscous force, and inertia force is proposed to predict the flow resistance of Newtonian and power-law non-Newtonian fluids through porous packed beds. The present model takes inertia effect into consideration, and the flow regime can be extended from Darcy flow to non-Darcy flow. It is demonstrated that the present model can predict most available experimental data well. The present results are also compared to the Ergun equation and other drag correlations.     

Regularity Results for Nonlocal Equations by Approximation

We obtain C ^1,α regularity estimates for nonlocal elliptic equations that are not necessarily translation-invariant using compactness and perturbative methods and our previous regularity results for the translation-invariant case.     

Engine Modelling for Control Applications: A Critical Survey

In earlier work published by the author and co-authors, a dynamic enginemodel called a Mean Value Engine Model (MVEM) was developed. This model isphysically based and is intended mainly for control applications. In itsnewer form, it is easy to fit to many different engines and requires littleengine data for this purpose. It is especially well suited to embedded modelapplications in engine controllers, such as nonlinear observer basedair/fuel ratio and advanced idle speed control. After a brief review of thismodel, it will be compared with other similar models which can be found inthe literature. The attempt will be made to point out the differencesbetween the new modified MVEM and those developed elsewhere. In particular,the questions of fitting simplicity and general applicability are to betreated.     

A Model for the Quasi-Static Growth¶of Brittle Fractures:¶Existence and Approximation Results

We give a precise mathematical formulation of a variational model for the irreversible quasi-static evolution of brittle fractures proposed by G. A. Francfort and J.-J. Marigo, and based on Griffith's theory of crack growth. In the two-dimensional case we prove an existence result for the quasi-static evolution and show that the total energy is an absolutely continuous function of time, although we cannot exclude the possibility that the bulk energy and the surface energy may present some jump discontinuities. This existence result is proved by a time-discretization process, where at each step a global energy minimization is performed, with the constraint that the new crack contains all cracks formed at the previous time steps. This procedure provides an effective way to approximate the continuous time evolution.     

A New Analytical Approximation for the Flow into a Well in a Finite Reservoir

A new approach is presented for the pressure calculation around a horizontal well or a partially penetrating vertical well in a finite height reservoir. The new method matches the asymptotic solutions close to- and far from the well. To this end, the reservoir is divided into two distinct volumes with ellipsoidal and elliptically cylindrical symmetry, respectively. Comparison with other techniques shows that the new expressions yield excellent results. The method is also applicable to reservoirs containing one elliptical, vertical or horizontal fracture, and can be used with account of a zone of altered permeability around the well or fracture due to formation damage or stimulation.     

A Solute Transport in Stratified Media

Two-dimensional and steady solute transport in a stratified porous formation is analysed under assumption that the effect of pore-scale dispersion is negligible. The longitudinal dispersion produced as a result of the vertical variation of hydraulic conductivity is analysed by averaging the variability of a solute flux concentration and conductivity. The evolution of the solute flux concentration is expressed with respect to the correlated variable, that is the travel (arrival) time at a fixed location and the averaging procedure is constructed to satisfy the boundary condition where the inlet concentration is a known function of time. In such a statement, a velocity-averaged solute flux concentration is described by a conventional dispersion model (CDM) with a dispersion coefficient which is a function of the arrival time. It is demonstrated that such CDM satisfies the assumption that hydraulic conductivity of the layers is gamma distributed with the parameter of distribution which is chosen to represent a reasonable value of the field scale solute dispersion. The overall behaviour of the model is illustrated by several examples of two-dimensional mass transport.