On the validity of the Boltzmann–BGK model through relaxation evaluation

The Boltzmann-Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook（BGK）model is investigated for its validity regarding the collision term approximation through relaxation evaluation. The evaluation is based on theoretical analysis and numerical comparison between the BGK and direct simulation Monte Carlo（DSMC） results for three specifically designed relaxation problems. In these problems, one or half component of the velocity distribution is characterized by another Maxwellian distribution with a different temperature. It is analyzed that the relaxation time in the BGK model is unequal to the molecular mean collision time. Relaxation of component distribution fails to involve enough contribution from other component distributions, which makes the BGK model unable to capture details of velocity distribution, especially when discontinuity exists in distribution. The BGK model,however, predicts satisfactory results including fluxes during relaxation when the temperature difference is small. Particularly, the model-induced error in the BGK model increases with the temperature difference, thus the model is more reliable for low-speed rarefied flows than for hypersonic flows.     

An L∞ bound for solutions of the Cahn-Hilliard equation

In this paper we consider the equation

Group preserving scheme and reproducing kernel method for the Poisson–Boltzmann equation for semiconductor devices

This paper introduces that the nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation for semiconductor devices describing potential distribution in a double-gate metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (DG-MOSFET) is exactly solvable. The DG-MOSFET shows one of the most advanced device structures in semiconductor technology and is a primary focus of modeling efforts in the semiconductor industry. Lie symmetry properties of this model is investigated in order to extract some exact solutions. The reproducing kernel Hilbert space method and group preserving scheme also have been applied to the nonlinear equation. Numerical results show that the present methods are very effective.

     

Existence and time-discretization for the finite-strain Souza–Auricchio constitutive model for shape-memory alloys

We prove the global existence of solutions for a shape-memory alloys constitutive model at finite strains. The model has been presented in Evangelista et al. (Int J Numer Methods Eng 81(6):761–785, 2010) and corresponds to a suitable finite-strain version of the celebrated Souza–Auricchio model for SMAs (Auricchio and Petrini in Int J Numer Methods Eng 55:1255–1284, 2002; Souza et al. in J Mech A Solids 17:789–806, 1998). We reformulate the model in purely variational fashion under the form of a rate-independent process. Existence of suitably weak (energetic) solutions to the model is obtained by passing to the limit within a constructive time-discretization procedure.     

Intrinsic Geometry and Analysis of Diffusion Processes and L ∞-Variational Problems

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we obtain a better understanding of the intrinsic distance of diffusion processes. Precisely, (a) for all n ≧ 1, the diffusion matrix A is weak upper semicontinuous on Ω if and only if the intrinsic differential and the local intrinsic distance structures coincide; (b) if n = 1, or if n ≧ 2 and A is weak upper semicontinuous on Ω, the intrinsic distance and differential structures always coincide; (c) if n ≧ 2 and A fails to be weak upper semicontinuous on Ω, the (non-)coincidence of the intrinsic distance and differential structures depend on the geometry of the non-weak-upper-semicontinuity set of A. Second, for an arbitrary diffusion matrix A, we show that the intrinsic distance completely determines the absolute minimizer of the corresponding L ^∞-variational problem, and then obtain the existence and uniqueness for given boundary data. We also give an example of a diffusion matrix A for which there is an absolute minimizer that is not of class C ¹. When A is continuous, we also obtain the linear approximation property of the absolute minimizer.     

Limit analysis and homogenization of porous materials with Mohr–Coulomb matrix. Part II: Numerical bounds and assessment of the theoretical model

This second part of the two-part study is devoted to the numerical Limit Analysis of a hollow sphere model with a Mohr–Coulomb matrix and its use for the assessment of theoretical results. Brief background and fundamental of the static and kinematic approaches in the context of numerical limit analysis are first recalled. We then present the hollow sphere model, together with its axisymmetric FEM discretization and its mechanical position. A conic programming adaptation of a previous iterative static approach, based on a piecewise linearization (PWL) of the plasticity criterion, was first realized. Unfortunately, the resulting code, no more than the PWL one, did not allow sufficiently refined meshes for loss of convergence of the conic optimizer. This problem was solved by using the projection algorithm of Ben Tal and Nemriovski (BTN) and the (interior point) linear programming code XA. For the kinematic approach, a first conic adaptation appeared also inefficient. Then, an original mixed (but fully kinematic) approach dedicated to the general Mohr–Coulomb axisymmetric problem was elaborated. The final conic mixed code appears much more robust than the classic one when using the conic code MOSEK, allowing us to take into account refined numerical meshes. After a fine validation in the case of spherical cavities and isotropic loadings (for which the exact solution is known) and comparison to previous (partial) results, numerical lower and upper bounds (a posteriori verified) of the macroscopic strength are provided. These bounds are used to assess and validate the theoretical results of the companion (part I) paper. Effects of the friction angle as well as that of the porosity are illustrated.     

Stability for Rayleigh–Benard Convective Solutions of the Boltzmann Equation

We consider the Boltzmann equation for a gas in a horizontal slab, subject to a gravitational force. The boundary conditions are of diffusive type, specifying the wall temperatures, so that the top temperature is lower than the bottom one (Benard setup). We consider a 2-dimensional convective stationary solution, which for small Knudsen numbers is close to the convective stationary solution of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq equations, near and above the bifurcation point, and prove its stability under 2-d small perturbations, for Rayleigh numbers above and close to the bifurcation point and for small Knudsen numbers.     

Extending the bounds of ‘steady’ RANS closures: Toward an instability-sensitive Reynolds stress model

The incapability of the conventional Unsteady RANS (Reynolds–Averaged Navier Stokes) models to adequately capture turbulence unsteadiness presents the prime motivation of the present work, which focuses on formulating an instability-sensitive, eddy-resolving turbulence model on the Second-Moment Closure level. The model scheme adopted, functioning as a ‘sub-scale’ model in the Unsteady RANS framework, represents a differential near-wall Reynolds stress model formulated in conjunction with the scale-supplying equation governing the homogeneous part of the inverse turbulent time scale ω_h (ω_h = ɛ_h/k). The latter equation was straightforwardly obtained from the model equation describing the dynamics of the homogeneous part of the total viscous dissipation rate ɛ, defined as ɛ_h = ɛ − 0.5ν∂²k/(∂x_j∂x_j) (Jakirlic and Hanjalic, 2002), by applying the derivation rules to the expression for ω_h. The model capability to account for vortex length and time scales variability was enabled through an additional term in the corresponding length-scale determining equation, providing a selective enhancement of its production, pertinent particularly to the highly unsteady separated shear layer region, modeled in terms of the von Karman length scale (comprising the second derivative of the velocity field) in line with the SAS (Scale-Adaptive Simulation) proposal (Menter and Egorov, 2010). The present model formulation, termed as SRANS model (Sensitized RANS), does not comprise any parameter depending explicitly on grid spacing. The predictive capabilities of the newly proposed length-scale determining model equation, solved in conjunction with Jakirlic and Hanjalic’s (2002) Reynolds stress model equation, are presently demonstrated by computing the flow configurations of increasing complexity featured by boundary layer separation from sharp-edged and continuous curved surfaces: backward-facing step flow, flow over a wall-mounted fence, flow over smoothly contoured periodically arranged hills and flow in a 3-D diffuser. The model performances are also assessed in capturing the natural decay of the homogeneous isotropic turbulence and the near-wall Reynolds stress anisotropy in a plane channel. In most cases considered the fluctuating velocity field was obtained starting from steady RANS results.     

The Euler Equation and¶Absolute Minimizers of L∞ Functionals

The Aronsson-Euler equation for the functional

Homogenization of the nonlinear Kelvin–Voigt model of viscoelasticity and of the Prager model of plasticity

Denoting by the stress tensor, by the linearized strain tensor, by A the elasticity tensor, and assuming that is a convex potential, the inclusion accounts for nonlinear viscoelasticity, and encompasses both the linear Kelvin–Voigt model of solid-type viscoelasticity and the Prager model of rigid plasticity with linear kinematic strain-hardening. This relation is assumed to represent the constitutive behavior of a space-distributed system, and is here coupled with the dynamical equation. An initial- and boundary-value problem is formulated, and the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proved via classical techniques based on compactness and monotonicity. A composite material is then considered, in which the function and the tensor A rapidly oscillate in space. A two-scale model is derived via Nguetseng’s notion of two-scale convergence. This provides a detailed account of the mesoscopic state of the system. Any dependence on the fine-scale variable is then eliminated, and the existence of a solution of a new single-scale macroscopic model is proved. The final outcome is at variance with the nonlinear extension of the generalized Kelvin–Voigt model, which is based on an apparently unjustified mean-field-type hypothesis.     

Simulation of liquid–vapour phase transitions and multiphase flows by an improved lattice Boltzmann model

An improved lattice Boltzmann (LB) model with a new scheme for the interparticle interaction force term is proposed in this paper. Based on the improved LB model, the equation-free method is implemented for simulating liquid–vapour phase change and multiphase flows. The details of phase separation are presented by numerical simulation results in terms of coexistence curves and spurious currents. Compared with existing models, the proposed model can give more accurate results in a wider temperature range with the spurious currents reduced and less time consumed. Characteristics of phase separation can be quickly and accurately reflected by the proposed method. Then, the contact angle of the solid surface is numerically investigated based on the proposed model. The proposed model is valid for steady flow with near zero velocity; unsteady cases will be investigated in further studies. This work will be helpful for our long-term aim of multi-scale modelling of convective boiling.     

An empirical model for the thermal conductivity of compacted bentonite and a bentonite–sand mixture

The thermal conductivities of compacted bentonite and a bentonite–sand mixture were measured to investigate the effects of dry density, water content and sand fraction on the thermal conductivity. A single expression has been proposed to describe the thermal conductivity of the compacted bentonite and the bentonite–sand mixture once their primary parameters such as dry density, water content and sand fraction are known.     

Direct numerical simulation of particle–fluid systems by combining time-driven hard-sphere model and lattice Boltzmann method

A coupled numerical method for the direct numerical simulation of particle–fluid systems is formulated and implemented, resolving an order of magnitude smaller than particle size. The particle motion is described by the time-driven hard-sphere model, while the hydrodynamic equations governing fluid flow are solved by the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Particle–fluid coupling is realized by an immersed boundary method (IBM), which considers the effect of boundary on surrounding fluid as a restoring force added to the governing equations of the fluid. The proposed scheme is validated in the classical flow-around-cylinder simulations, and preliminary application of this scheme to fluidization is reported, demonstrating it to be a promising computational strategy for better understanding complex behavior in particle–fluid systems.     

Constitutive equations for the Doi–Edwards model without independent alignment

We present two representations of the Doi–Edwards model without Independent Alignment explicitly expressed in terms of the Finger strain tensor, its inverse and its invariants. The two representations provide explicit expressions for the stress prior to and after Rouse relaxation of chain stretch, respectively. The maximum deviations from the exact representations in simple shear, biaxial extension and uniaxial extension are of order 2%. Based on these two representations, we propose a framework for Doi–Edwards models including chain stretch in the memory integral form.     

On a model for the pedestrians-induced lateral vibrations of footbridges

We study the synchronization of the pedestrians motion with the lateral motion of slender footbridges, which attracted the attention of researchers mainly after the Millennium Bridge well known event. We consider a bridge-pedestrians model developed by Strogatz et al. To better understand some aspects of the underlying mechanical phenomena and to increase the agreement of the model results to the effective behaviour of the walkers (as observed during the Millennium Bridge’s opening day and during Arup’s tests on site) we have introduced some modifications to the model and we have performed extensive parametric investigations, supported by many numerical simulations. Our approach is therefore computational, by means of a self-made code. This permits to highlight the parameters which mainly affect the trigger and the development of the phenomenon of synchronous lateral excitation, thus allowing a good understanding of the physical event and an evaluation of the engineering reliability of the Strogatz et al. model.     

Assessment of the kinetic–frictional model for dense granular flow

This paper aims to quantitatively assess the application of kinetic–frictional model to simulate the motion of dry granular materials in dense condition, in particular, the annular shearing in Couette configuration. The weight of frictional stress was varied to study the contribution of the frictional stress in dense granular flows. The results show that the pure kinetic-theory-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model (without frictional stress) over-predicts the dominant solids motion of dense granular flow while adding frictional stress [Schaeffer, D. G. (1987). Instability in the evolution equations describing incompressible granular flow. Journal of Differential Equations, 66(1), 19–50] with the solids pressure of [Lun, C. K. K., Savage, S. B., Jeffrey, D. J., & Chepurniy, N. (1984). Kinetic theories for granular flow: Inelastic particles in Couette flow and slightly inelastic particles in a general flow field. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 140, 223–256] in the CFD model improves the simulation to better conform available experimental results. The results also suggest that frictional stress transmission plays an important role in dense granular flow and should not be neglected in granular flow simulations. Compatible simulation results to the experimental data are seen by increasing the weight of frictional stress to a factor of 1.25–1.5. These improved simulation results suggest the current constitutive relations (kinetic–frictional model) need to be improved in order to better reflect the real dense granular flow.     

Bingham’s model in the oil and gas industry

Yield stress fluid flows occur in a great many operations and unit processes within the oil and gas industry. This paper reviews this usage within reservoir flows of heavy oil, drilling fluids and operations, wellbore cementing, hydraulic fracturing and some open-hole completions, sealing/remedial operations, e.g., squeeze cementing, lost circulation, and waxy crude oils and flow assurance, both wax deposition and restart issues. We outline both rheological aspects and relevant fluid mechanics issues, focusing primarily on yield stress fluids and related phenomena.     

A new pedestrian-following model for aircraft boarding and numerical tests

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new pedestrian-following model based on the properties of the aircraft boarding process. The passengers’ motion trail, the number of interfaces, the total aircraft boarding time, the wasted time that is resulted by the interfaces and the effective aircraft boarding time are investigated in detail. The numerical results illustrate that the new model can qualitatively describe some dynamic properties of the aircraft boarding process.