Using symbolic computation software packages in production of multidimensional finite volume‐based large eddy simulation codes

The numerical simulation of turbulence is one of the most challenging tasks in the field of the modern computational science. At present, the most advanced approach is the large eddy simulation (LES) technique wherein a formal separation between resolved (large) and unresolved (small) scales of the motion is in effect by means of a filtering operation applied onto the governing equations. However, LES requires very sophisticated numerical discretizations in terms of both accuracy and efficiency. Often, the modelling of the unresolved subgrid scale terms adds further computational complexities. This paper illustrates the suitability in using software packages for symbolic computation (in the present case, Maple© for helping in the production of subroutines for a new multidimensional, high‐order accurate finite volume‐based LES code. Specifically, it will be detailed how producing, rapidly and efficiently, the routines for computing convective, diffusive as well as subgrid scale modelling fluxes. It is particularly detailed how exploiting the package for differential calculus and linear algebra for the analytical integration of the flux polynomials over the finite volume faces. The structure of the LES code is illustrated, and an accuracy analysis of the local truncation errors is performed comparing the third‐order accurate multidimensional upwind and the classical second‐order centred reconstruction in the wavenumbers space. Then, some numerical results for the turbulent plane channel and some brief points concerning the parallelization issue are addressed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Generalized characteristic interface conditions for high-order multi-block computation

In practical fluid computation with structured grids around complex geometries, singular points with metric discontinuity can frequently be found. Generally, the grid singularities may cause numerical oscillations when some high-order finite difference scheme is applied. Recently, an excellent theory has been proposed which solves the above singular problem by block decomposition along the singular surface and by imposition of the characteristic interface conditions (CIC) on the block interface. However, the original theory has constraints on the mathematical treatment of the block interface, and therefore prevents numerical flexibility from a practical point of view. In this article, in order to extend the functions of the original CIC, we propose the generalized characteristic interface conditions (GCIC). Proper numerical test analysis is conducted to validate the performance of the GCIC, and as a practical application, multi-block computation is performed with the GCIC applied to complex geometry.     

超临界CO2磨料射流流场影响因素的模拟分析

为了揭示超临界CO₂磨料射流流场特性,利用计算流体动力学模拟软件,对超临界CO₂磨料射流结构及不同因素对射流流场的影响规律进行了研究。结果表明:超临界CO₂磨料射流轴向速度和冲击力随着喷距的增大,先增大后减小,即存在最优喷距,喷射压差为10~30 MPa时最优喷距为3~6倍喷嘴直径;喷射压差一定时,围压由10 MPa增至30 MPa对射流速度场及液相冲击力会造成较小的负面影响。通过超临界CO₂射流破岩实验对上述2因素进行了辅助对比验证;流体温度由333 K增至413 K,固液两相轴向速度增大,而流体密度降低,导致液相冲击力减弱;磨料浓度由3.0%连续增至11.0%,射流固液两相轴向速度逐渐降低,降幅逐渐减小。     

‘New mathematics’ and teaching

Inside the scientific world it is not always understood that the mood of mathematics, which is a product and a part of culture, can change with time. This is partly why many have been surprised by the coming of the so‐called new mathematics.

In the truly creative mathematical mind two opposite tendencies coexist: the logical and the imaginative. Apparently it seems that new mathematics can be reduced to a purely logical machinery. In fact it contains as much imaginative contributions as classical mathematics. But it is difficult to show simultaneously the logical sequence of propositions and the clumsy progression of research itself. Mathematical exposition does not always follow the ‘ most natural slopes’ of the mind. Unfamiliar presentations often give an impression of ‘ abstraction ‘, more familiar ones an impression of concreteness ‘.

So it appears that difficulties with new mathematics are mostly of psychological origin. Misuses of it can easily raise up intolerance reactions and emotional blocks. Perhaps insisting upon the fact that, here as elsewhere, it is important to be able to guess, to realize that intuition and imagination are essential, could help to make new mathematics better understood, more useful and more able to be considered as a unifing element among sciences.     

Bäcklund transformation and multi-soliton solutions for a (2 + 1)-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries system via symbolic computation

In this paper, the (2 + 1)-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries system is symbolically investigated. By the bilinear method, the N-soliton solution is presented. Then, based on the Bäcklund transformation in bilinear form, a new Bäcklund transformation is obtained and new representation of the N-soliton solution is derived. A class of novel multi-soliton solutions are obtained by the new Bäcklund transformation and the availability of symbolic computation is demonstrated.     

Dark solitonic excitations and collisions from a fourth-order dispersive nonlinear Schrödinger model for the alpha helical protein

Recent protein observations motivate the dark-soliton study to explain the energy transfer in the proteins. In this paper we will investigate a fourth-order dispersive nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which governs the Davydov solitons in the alpha helical protein with higher-order effects. Painlevé analysis is performed to prove the equation is integrable. Through the introduction of an auxiliary function, bilinear forms and dark N-soliton solutions are constructed with the Hirota method and symbolic computation. Asymptotic analysis on the two-soliton solutions indicates that the soliton collisions are elastic. Decrease of the coefficient of higher-order effects can increase the soliton velocities. Graphical analysis on the two-soliton solutions indicates that the head-on collision between the two solitons, overtaking collision between the two solitons and collision between a moving soliton and a stationary one are all elastic. Collisions among the three solitons are all pairwise elastic.     

LOAD CAPACITY OF OILFILM——LUBRICATED BALL-BEARING WITH SPIRAL GROOVES

In order to improve load capacity and stability of a fluid moving-pressure bearing, at present, measure of cutting grooves on a turning-shaft is generally adopted.The performances of spiral grooves are better in various groovetypes. Therefore, a theoretical analysis and an experimental investigation of the bearing with spiral grooves attract general attention. But the results of most articles published in china are numerical solutions of the computer. Using the methods of parameter perturbation in the paper, an approaching analytical solution of Reynolds equation of the moving-pressure oilfilm-lubricated ball-bearing with spiral grooves has been obtained. We have combined the numerical solutions of the computer, and the influence of the bearing parameters upon the load capacity is discussed; the optimum values of the groove parameter are obtained. The theoretical conclusion of this paper is in good agreement with the experimental data obtained by 651 Institute.     

Verified convex hull and distance computation for octree-encoded objects

This paper discusses algorithms for computing verified convex hull and distance enclosure for objects represented by axis-aligned or unaligned octrees. To find a convex enclosure of an octree, the concept of extreme vertices of boxes on its boundary has been used. The convex hull of all extreme vertices yields an enclosure of the object. Thus, distance algorithms for convex polyhedra to obtain lower bounds for the distance between two octrees can be applied. Since using convex hulls makes it possible to avoid the unwanted wrapping effect that results from repeated decompositions, it also opens a way to dynamic distance algorithms for moving objects.     

Using interactive algebra software to support a discourse community

In this work we studied the impact of using NuCalc, an interactive computer algebra software, on the development of a discourse community in a college level mathematics class. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected over the course of 3 weeks of instruction. We examined the influence of the software on: group interactions; the mathematical investigations of learners; and the teacher’s interactions with students. Data points to four distinct ways in which the presence of NuCalc positively impacted the learning community we studied: (1) it served as a tool for extending students’ mathematical thinking, (2) it motivated students’ engagement in group discourse, (3) it became a tool for mediating discourse, (4) it became a catalyst for refining the culture of classroom, shifting the patterns of interactions between the teacher and learners.     

Factors affecting the process of proficient mental addition and subtraction: case studies of flexible and inflexible computers

The relationship between mental computation and number sense is complex: mental computation can facilitate number sense when students are encouraged to be flexible, but flexibility and number sense is neither sufficient nor necessary for accuracy in mental computation. It is possible for familiarity with a strategy to compensate for a lack of number sense and inefficient processes. This study reports on six case studies exploring Year 3 students’ procedures for and understanding of mental addition and subtraction, and understanding of number sense and other cognitive, metacognitive, and affective factors associated with mental computation. The case studies indicate that the mental computation process is composed of four stages in which cognitive, metacognitive and affective factors operate differently for flexible and inflexible computers. The authors propose a model in which the differences between computer types are seen in terms of the application of different knowledges in number facts, numeration, effect of operation on number, and beliefs and metacognition on strategy choice and strategy implementation.