3-D Navier-Stokes Simulation of Large-Scale Regions of the Bronchopulmonary Tree

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keith Walters ◽  
William H. Luke
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Flow Path ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flow Geometry

A new methodology for CFD simulation of airflow in the human bronchopulmonary tree is presented. The new approach provides a means for detailed resolution of the flow features via three-dimensional Navier-Stokes CFD simulation without the need for direct simulation of the entire flow geometry, which is well beyond the reach of available computing power now and in the foreseeable future. The method is based on a finite number of flow paths, each of which is fully resolved, to provide a detailed description of the entire complex small-scale flowfield. A stochastic coupling approach is used for the unresolved flow path boundary conditions, yielding a virtual flow geometry allowing accurate statistical resolution of the flow at all scales for any set of flow conditions. Results are presented for multi-generational lung models based on the Weibel morphology and the anatomical data of Hammersley and Olson. Validation simulations are performed for a portion of the bronchiole region (generations 4–12) using the flow path ensemble method, and compared to simulations that are geometrically fully resolved. Results are obtained for three inspiratory flowrates and compared in terms of pressure drop, flow distribution characteristics, and flow structure. Results show excellent agreement with the fully resolved geometry, while reducing the mesh size and computational cost by as much as 94%.

A Method for Three-Dimensional Navier–Stokes Simulations of Large-Scale Regions of the Human Lung Airway

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keith Walters ◽  
William H. Luke
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Flow Path ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flow Geometry

A new methodology for CFD simulation of airflow in the human bronchopulmonary tree is presented. The new approach provides a means for detailed resolution of the flow features via three-dimensional Navier–Stokes CFD simulation without the need for full resolution of the entire flow geometry, which is well beyond the reach of available computing power now and in the foreseeable future. The method is based on a finite number of flow paths, each of which is fully resolved, to provide a detailed description of the entire complex small-scale flowfield. A stochastic coupling approach is used for the unresolved flow path boundary conditions, yielding a virtual flow geometry that allows accurate statistical resolution of the flow at all scales for any set of flow conditions. Results are presented for multigenerational lung models based on the Weibel morphology and the anatomical data of Hammersley and Olson (1992, “Physical Models of the Smaller Pulmonary Airways,” J. Appl. Physiol., 72(6), pp. 2402–2414). Validation simulations are performed for a portion of the bronchiole region (generations 4–12) using the flow path ensemble method, and compared with simulations that are geometrically fully resolved. Results are obtained for three inspiratory flowrates and compared in terms of pressure drop, flow distribution characteristics, and flow structure. Results show excellent agreement with the fully resolved geometry, while reducing the mesh size and computational cost by up to an order of magnitude.

scholarly journals From numerical prototypes to real models: a progressive study of aerodynamic parameters of nonconventional concrete structures with Computational Fluid Dynamics

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 628-643
Author(s):  
C. V. S. SARMENTO ◽  
A. O. C. FONTE ◽  
L. J. PEDROSO ◽  
P. M. V. RIBEIRO
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Concrete Structures ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Aerodynamic Parameters

Abstract The practical evaluation of aerodynamic coefficients in unconventional concrete structures requires specific studies, which are small-scale models evaluated in wind tunnels. Sophisticated facilities and special sensors are needed, and the tendency is for modern and slender constructions to arise with specific demands on their interaction with the wind. On the other hand, the advances obtained in modern multi-core processors emerge as an alternative for the construction of sophisticated computational models, where the Navier-Stokes differential equations are solved for fluid flow using numerical methods. Computations of this kind require specialized theoretical knowledge, efficient computer programs, and high-performance computers for large-scale calculations. This paper presents recent results involving two real-world applications in concrete structures, where the aerodynamic parameters were estimated with the aid of computational fluid dynamics. Conventional quad-core computers were applied in simulations with the Finite Volume Method and a progressive methodology is presented, highlighting the main aspects of the simulation and allowing its generalization to other types of problems. The results confirm that the proposed methodology is promising in terms of computational cost, drag coefficient estimation and versatility of simulation parameters. These results also indicate that mid-performance computers can be applied for preliminary studies of aerodynamic parameters in design offices.

scholarly journals On the Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Actuator Disc Approach in Modelling a Large-Scale Tidal Turbine in a Simple Channel

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas Rahman ◽  
Vengatesan Venugopal ◽  
Jerome Thiebot
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Source Term ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Grid ◽  
Scale Models ◽  
Actuator Disc ◽  
Tidal Turbine ◽  
Swept Area

To date, only a few studies have examined the execution of the actuator disc approximation for a full-size turbine. Small-scale models have fewer constraints than large-scale models because the range of time-scale and length-scale is narrower. Hence, this article presents the methodology in implementing the actuator disc approach via the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) momentum source term for a 20-m diameter turbine in an idealised channel. A structured grid, which varied from 0.5 m to 4 m across rotor diameter and width was used at the turbine location to allow for better representation of the disc. The model was tuned to match known coefficient of thrust and operational profiles for a set of validation cases based on published experimental data. Predictions of velocity deficit and turbulent intensity became almost independent of the grid density beyond 11 diameters downstream of the disc. However, in several instances the finer meshes showed larger errors than coarser meshes when compared to the measurements data. This observation was attributed to the way nodes were distributed across the disc swept area. The results demonstrate that the accuracy of the actuator disc was highly influenced by the vertical resolutions, as well as the grid density of the disc enclosure.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional CFD Simulation and Experimental Assessment of the Performance of a H-Shape Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine at Design and Off-Design Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Franchina ◽  
Otman Kouaissah ◽  
Giacomo Persico ◽  
Marco Savini
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Numerical Predictions

The paper presents the results of a computational study on the aerodynamics and the performance of a small-scale Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) for distributed micro-generation. The complexity of VAWT aerodynamics, which are inherently unsteady and three-dimensional, makes high-fidelity flow models extremely demanding in terms of computational cost, limiting the analysis to mainly 2D or 2.5D Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) approaches. This paper discusses how a proper setting of the computational model opens the way for carrying out fully 3D unsteady CFD simulations of a VAWT. Key aspects of the flow model and of the numerical solution are discussed, in view of limiting the computational cost while maintaining the reliability of the predictions. A set of operating conditions is considered, in terms of tip-speed-ratio (TSR), covering both peak efficiency condition as well as off-design operation. The fidelity of the numerical predictions is assessed via a systematic comparison with the experimental benchmark data available for this turbine, consisting of both performance and wake measurements carried out in the large-scale wind tunnel of the Politecnico di Milano. The analysis of the flow field on the equatorial plane allows highlighting its time-dependent evolution, with the aim of identifying both the periodic flow structures and the onset of dynamic stall. The full three-dimensional character of the computations allows investigating the aerodynamics of the struts and the evolution of the trailing vorticity at the tip of the blades, eventually resulting in periodic large-scale vortices.

Unsteady Three-Dimensional Analysis of Inlet Distortion in a Transonic Fan

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Sun ◽  
Guotal Feng
Keyword(s):  
Shock Wave ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Inlet Distortion ◽  
Flow Loss ◽  
Large Scale Vortex ◽  
Total Temperature ◽  
Transonic Fan

A time-accurate three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver of the unsteady flow field in a transonic fan was carried out using "Fluent-parallel" in a parallel supercomputer. The numerical simulation focused on a transonic fan with inlet square wave total pressure distortion and the analysis of result consisted of three aspects. The first was about inlet parameters redistribution and outlet total temperature distortion induced by inlet total pressure distortion. The pattern and causation of flow loss caused by pressure distortion in rotor were analyzed secondly. It was found that the influence of distortion was different at different radial positions. In hub area, transportation-loss and mixing-loss were the main loss patterns. Distortion not only complicated them but enhanced them. Especially in stator, inlet total pressure distortion induced large-scale vortex, which produced backflow and increased the loss. While in casing area, distortion changed the format of shock wave and increased the shock loss. Finally, the format of shock wave and the hysteresis of rotor to distortion were analyzed in detail.

Turbulent flow between counter-rotating concentric cylinders: a direct numerical simulation study

2008 ◽  
Vol 615 ◽  
pp. 371-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. DONG
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Outer Cylinder ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Taylor Vortex ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Concentric Cylinders ◽  
High Reynolds

We report three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of the turbulent flow between counter-rotating concentric cylinders with a radius ratio 0.5. The inner- and outer-cylinder Reynolds numbers have the same magnitude, which ranges from 500 to 4000 in the simulations. We show that with the increase of Reynolds number, the prevailing structures in the flow are azimuthal vortices with scales much smaller than the cylinder gap. At high Reynolds numbers, while the instantaneous small-scale vortices permeate the entire domain, the large-scale Taylor vortex motions manifested by the time-averaged field do not penetrate a layer of fluid near the outer cylinder. Comparisons between the standard Taylor–Couette system (rotating inner cylinder, fixed outer cylinder) and the counter-rotating system demonstrate the profound effects of the Coriolis force on the mean flow and other statistical quantities. The dynamical and statistical features of the flow have been investigated in detail.

Large- and small-scale vortical motions in a shear layer perturbed by tabs

1999 ◽  
Vol 382 ◽  
pp. 307-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUDITH K. FOSS ◽  
K. B. M. Q. ZAMAN
Keyword(s):  
Shear Layer ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Streamwise Vortices ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Population

The large- and small-scale vortical motions produced by ‘delta tabs’ in a two-stream shear layer have been studied experimentally. An increase in mixing was observed when the base of the triangular shaped tab was affixed to the trailing edge of the splitter plate and the apex was pitched at some angle with respect to the flow axis. Such an arrangement produced a pair of counter-rotating streamwise vortices. Hot-wire measurements detailed the velocity, time-averaged vorticity (Ωx) and small-scale turbulence features in the three-dimensional space downstream of the tabs. The small-scale structures, whose scale corresponds to that of the peak in the dissipation spectrum, were identified and counted using the peak-valley-counting technique. The optimal pitch angle, θ, for a single tab and the optimal spanwise spacing, S, for a multiple tab array were identified. Since the goal was to increase mixing, the optimal tab configuration was determined from two properties of the flow field: (i) the large-scale motions with the maximum Ωx, and (ii) the largest number of small-scale motions in a given time period. The peak streamwise vorticity magnitude [mid ]Ωx−max[mid ] was found to have a unique relationship with the tab pitch angle. Furthermore, for all cases examined, the overall small-scale population was found to correlate directly with [mid ]Ωx−max[mid ]. Both quantities peaked at θ≈±45°. It is interesting to note that the peak magnitude of the corresponding circulation in the cross-sectional plane occurred for θ≈±90°. For an array of tabs, the two quantities also depended on the tab spacing. An array of contiguous tabs acted as a solid deflector producing the weakest streamwise vortices and the least small-scale population. For the measurement range covered, the optimal spacing was found to be S≈1.5 tab widths.

Hydraulic Characteristics of the New Type Bulb Turbine With Micro-Head

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingyu Li ◽  
Yuan Zheng ◽  
Daqing Zhou ◽  
Zihao Mi
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Guide Vanes ◽  
Runner Blade ◽  
Cfd Method ◽  
Bulb Turbine

The head of low-head hydropower stations is generally higher than 2.5m in the world, while micro-head hydropower resources which head is less than 2.5m are also very rich. In the paper, three-dimensional CFD method has been used to simulate flow passage of the micro-head bulb turbine. The design head and unit flow of the turbine was 1m and 3m3/s respectively. With the numerical simulation, the bulb turbine is researched by analyzing external characteristics of the bulb turbine, flow distribution before the runner, pressure distribution of the runner blade surface, and flow distribution of the outlet conduit under three different schemes. The turbine in second scheme was test by manufactured into a physical model. According to the results of numerical simulation and model test, bulb turbine with no guide vane in second scheme has simpler structure, lower cost, and better flow capacity than first scheme, which has traditional multi-guide vanes. Meanwhile, efficiency of second scheme has just little decrease. The results of three dimensions CFD simulation and test results agree well in second scheme, and higher efficiency is up to 77% which has a wider area with the head of 1m. The curved supports in third scheme are combined guide vanes to the fixed supports based on 2nd scheme. By the water circulations flowing along the curved supports which improve energy transformation ability of the runner, the efficiency of the turbine in third scheme is up to 82.6%. Third scheme, which has simpler structure and best performance, is appropriate for the development and utilization of micro-head hydropower resources in plains and oceans.

scholarly journals A Multidimensional and Multiscale Model for Pressure Analysis in a Reservoir-Pipe-Valve System

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Jie Zheng ◽  
Fu Zheng Qu ◽  
Xue Guan Song
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Fluctuation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Industrial Process ◽  
Multiscale Model ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Computationally Efficient ◽  
Proposed Model

Reservoir-pipe-valve (RPV) systems are widely used in many industrial process. The pressure in an RPV system plays an important role in the safe operation of the system, especially during the sudden operation such as rapid valve opening/closing. To investigate the pressure especially the pressure fluctuation in an RPV system, a multidimensional and multiscale model combining the method of characteristics (MOC) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is proposed. In the model, the reservoir is modeled by a zero-dimensional virtual point, the pipe is modeled by a one-dimensional MOC, and the valve is modeled by a three-dimensional CFD model. An interface model is used to connect the multidimensional and multiscale model. Based on the model, a transient simulation of the turbulent flow in an RPV system is conducted, in which not only the pressure fluctuation in the pipe but also the detailed pressure distribution in the valve are obtained. The results show that the proposed model is in good agreement with the full CFD model in both large-scale and small-scale spaces. Moreover, the proposed model is more computationally efficient than the CFD model, which provides a feasibility in the analysis of complex RPV system within an affordable computational time.

scholarly journals Prediction of Residual Stresses in a Multipass Pipe Weld by a Novel 3D Finite Element Approach

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Huang ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
Blair Carlson ◽  
Hui-Ping Wang ◽  
Paul Crooker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Residual Stresses ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Graphics Processing Unit ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Girth Welds ◽  
Welding Processes

Due to enormous computation cost, current residual stress simulation of multipass girth welds are mostly performed using two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric models. The 2D model can only provide limited estimation on the residual stresses by assuming its axisymmetric distribution. In this study, a highly efficient thermal-mechanical finite element code for three dimensional (3D) model has been developed based on high performance Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computers. Our code is further accelerated by considering the unique physics associated with welding processes that are characterized by steep temperature gradient and a moving arc heat source. It is capable of modeling large-scale welding problems that cannot be easily handled by the existing commercial simulation tools. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency, our code was compared with a commercial software by simulating a 3D multi-pass girth weld model with over 1 million elements. Our code achieved comparable solution accuracy with respect to the commercial one but with over 100 times saving on computational cost. Moreover, the three-dimensional analysis demonstrated more realistic stress distribution that is not axisymmetric in hoop direction.

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