A different construction of Gaussian fields from Markov chains: Dirichlet covariances

We study a class of Gaussian random fields with negative correlations. These fields are easy to simulate. They are defined in a natural way from a Markov chain that has the index space of the Gaussian field as its state space. In parallel with Dynkin's investigation of Gaussian fields having covariance given by the Green's function of a Markov process, we develop connections between the occupation times of the Markov chain and the prediction properties of the Gaussian field. Our interest in such fields was initiated by their appearance in random matrix theory.     

Evaluating alternative system configurations using simulation: A nonparametric approach

The real utility of simulation lies in comparing different alternatives that might represent competing system designs. Conventional statistical techniques are not directly applicable to the analysis of simulation output data in the evaluation of competing alternatives since the usual assumptions of normality and common variance are difficult to justify in simulation experiments. This paper revisits a known nonparametric test whose application has recently become feasible due to considerable increases in computing power:randomization tests assess the significance of the observed value of the test statistic by evaluating different permutations of the data. The procedure only requires invariance of the data under all permutations.     

Effets des forces de Coriolis sur le seuil convectif stationnaire d'une couche liquide confinée en cellule de Hele–Shaw annulaire en rotationEffects of the Coriolis forces on the stationary convectif threshold of a liquid layer confined in an annular Hele–Shaw Cell in rotation

The convective instability of a horizontal liquid layer confined in an annular Hele–Shaw cell subject to a constant rotation and submitted to a centrifugal gradient of temperature is investigated. Using a linear stability analysis, we study the effects of both Coriolis forces and curvature aspect on the stationary convective threshold when the Prandtl number is of the order of unity or larger than unity. We show that the Coriolis forces have a stabilizing effect, and the wave number is independent of these forces. However, a multicellular regime in the radial direction is observed for small Ekman numbers. The results related to the influence of the curvature are also shown. To cite this article: S. Ramezani et al., C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 633–640.     

Robust simulation with a base environmental scenario

In the design of a system, the comparison of possible solutions using simulation is generally performed with fixed environmental conditions. In practice, however, unexpected changes can occur for example in the part mix of a manufacturing facility or in the customer demand. Such changes, which are considered as modifications in environmental factors, can impact the system response. As a consequence, a solution A that is better than B for a given environment, can yield poorer performance than B for another environment. Therefore, we are interested in robust simulation studies, which aim at taking into account several possible environments. In methods based on Taguchi’s principles, no distinction is made between these environments in the robustness computation. In the suggested heuristic approach, we focus on problems where a particular environment is expected when the system will be in operation (the others being unexpected environments). This particular environment will be considered in the study as a “base environmental scenario”. The robustness of a solution of the design problem is computed as an approximate measure of what will be saved or lost if the environment becomes the unexpected. Reference curves are suggested to allow these solutions to be empirically compared in accordance with the decision-maker’s requirements. A simplified example is provided. The results are different from those obtained using a signal to noise ratio, which is typically used in Taguchian approaches.     

Simulation numérique directe de l'influence de la forme aval d'une plaque séparatrice sur une couche de mélangeDirect-numerical simulation of the splitting-plate downstream-shape influence upon a mixing layer

In this Note, we present direct numerical simulation results of a spatial mixing layer generated behind an upstream plate separating two boundary layers. The effect of the shape of the trailing edge of the plate is considered through comparisons between flows obtained from a bevelled or a blunt plate. In the former case, a spatial mixing layer consistent with previous experimental and numerical observations is obtained. In the latter case, the self-excited state that establishes in the near wake region dominates primary and secondary instability mechanisms while understating the importance of inflow perturbations. This behaviour is interpreted in terms of convective or absolute instability. The effects on turbulent statistics are also discussed. To cite this article: S. Laizet, E. Lamballais, C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).     

Numerical analysis on blast furnace performance with novel feed material by multi-dimensional simulator based on multi-fluid theory

Multi-dimensional blast furnace operation simulator based on multi-fluid theory and reaction kinetics is applied to the novel operations of blast furnace. The effective use of carbon composite agglomerates (CCB) in blast furnace is expected to have several advantages to improve furnace efficiency. In this study, mathematical expression of reduction behavior of CCB was introduced into the blast furnace simulator and the effect of charging CCB to blast furnace and accompanying temperature lowering were numerically examined. The calculation results showed the increase in productivity and decrease in reducing agent rate with CCB charging while reduction of iron-bearing materials was retarded due to temperature decrease in stack region. Thermal analysis revealed that this improvement of heat efficiency is caused by the decrease in heat requirements for solution loss, sinter reduction and silicon transfer reactions, heat outflow by top gas and wall heat transfer.     

Apparent viscosity of a mixture of a Newtonian fluid and interacting particles

We investigate the behavior of fluid–particle mixtures subject to shear stress, by mean of direct simulation. This approach is meant to give some hints to explain the influence of interacting red cells on the global behavior of the blood. We concentrate on the apparent viscosity, which we define as a macroscopic quantity which characterizes the resistance of a mixture against externally imposed shear motion. Our main purpose is to explain the non-monotonous variations of this apparent viscosity when a mixture of fluid and interacting particles is submitted to shear stress during a certain time interval. Our analysis of these variations is based on preliminary theoretical remarks, and some computations for some well-chosen static configurations. To cite this article: A. Lefebvre, B. Maury, C. R. Mecanique 333 (2005).     

Computational aeroacoustics using the B-spline collocation method

One of the major problems in computational aero-acoustics is the disparity in length scales between the flow field and the acoustic field. As a result, a mapping function is normally used to achieve a non-uniform grid distribution. In this paper, a B-spline collocation method with an arbitrary grid placement capability is proposed. This capability not only allows an optimum grid distribution but also avoids the numerical complexities associated with the mapping function. The B-spline collocation method is applied to the case of spinning co-rotating vortices. The result agrees well with the matched asymptotic solution. To cite this article: R. Widjaja et al., C. R. Mecanique 333 (2005).     

Ondes adhérence–glissement–décollement sous contact unilatéral frottantStick–slip–separation waves in unilateral and frictional contact

A numerical study on the dynamic response of a mechanical system composed of two coaxial cylinders in relative rotation and unilateral contact with Coulomb friction is presented. This discussion complements the semi-analytical results on stick–slip waves given in Moirot, Nguyen, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris Sér. IIb 328 (2000) 663–669, by some numerical simulations on the dynamic transition of the system from a given initial state to a surface wave. The case of stick–slip–separation waves is considered. To cite this article: A. Oueslati et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

Numerical implementation of composite Koiter shells including membrane/bending coupling coefficientsImplémentation numérique des coques composites de Koiter prenant en considération les coefficients de couplage membrane/flexions

We propose a way for determining the generalized coefficients of rigidity – some of which are membrane/bending coupling coefficients – which appear in the deformation energy of the Koiter model of thin shells. This is concerned with a heterogeneous material in the thickness direction. A new program to compute these coefficients is implemented in the finite element code Modulef, in order to simulate problems of thin multilayered shells with linearly elastic anisotropic layers. We propose an example of an inhibited multilayered thin shell, with hyperbolic middle surface, involving a composite material with unidirectional fibres. To cite this article: H. Ranarivelo, C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 273–278.