A Fourier Collocation Approach for Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter Under Multi-Phase Flow Conditions

A numerical model for a clamp-on transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter (TTUF) under multi-phase flow conditions is presented. The method solves equations of linear elasticity for isotropic heterogeneous materials with background flow where acoustic media are modeled by setting shear modulus to zero. Spatial derivatives are calculated by a Fourier collocation method allowing the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and time derivatives are approximated by a finite difference (FD) scheme. This approach is sometimes referred to as a pseudospectral time-domain method. Perfectly matched layers (PML) are used to avoid wave-wrapping and staggered grids are implemented to improve stability and efficiency. The method is verified against exact analytical solutions and the effect of the time-staggering and associated lowest number of points per minimum wavelengths value is discussed. The method is then employed to model a complete TTUF measurement setup to simulate the effect of a flow profile on the flowmeter accuracy and a study of an impact of inclusions in flowing media on received signals is carried out.

A Numerical Model of an Acoustic Metamaterial Using the Boundary Element Method Including Viscous and Thermal Losses

In recent years, boundary element method (BEM) and finite element method (FEM) implementations of acoustics in fluids with viscous and thermal losses have been developed. They are based on the linearized Navier–Stokes equations with no flow. In this paper, such models with acoustic losses are applied to an acoustic metamaterial. Metamaterials are structures formed by smaller, usually periodic, units showing remarkable physical properties when observed as a whole. Acoustic losses are relevant in metamaterials in the millimeter scale. In addition, their geometry is intricate and challenging for numerical implementation. The results are compared with existing measurements.

Diffusion Equation-Based Finite Element Modeling of a Monumental Worship Space

In this work, a diffusion equation model (DEM) is applied to a room acoustics case for in-depth sound field analysis. Background of the theory, the governing and boundary equations specifically applicable to this study are presented. A three-dimensional geometric model of a monumental worship space is composed. The DEM is solved over this model in a finite element framework to obtain sound energy densities. The sound field within the monument is numerically assessed; spatial sound energy distributions and flow vector analysis are conducted through the time-dependent DEM solutions.

More Than Six Elements Per Wavelength: The Practical Use of Structural Finite Element Models and Their Accuracy in Comparison with Experimental Results

Choosing the right number and type of elements in modern commercial finite element tools is a challenging task. It requires a broad knowledge about the theory behind or much experience by the user. Benchmark tests are a common method to prove the element performance against analytical solutions. However, these tests often analyze the performance only for single elements. When investigating the complete mesh of an arbitrary structure, the comparison of the element’s performance is quite challenging due to the lack of closed or fully converged solutions. The purpose of this paper is to show a high-precision comparison of eigenfrequencies of a real structure between experimental and numerical results in the context of an element performance check with respect to a converged solution. Additionally, the authors identify the practically relevant accuracy of simulation and experiment. Finally, the influence of accuracy with respect to the number of elements per standing structural bending wave is shown.

Infinite Elements and Their Influence on Normal and Radiation Modes in Exterior Acoustics

Acoustic radiation modes (ARMs) and normal modes (NMs) are calculated at the surface of a fluid-filled domain around a solid structure and inside the domain, respectively. In order to compute the exterior acoustic problem and modes, both the finite element method (FEM) and the infinite element method (IFEM) are applied. More accurate results can be obtained by using finer meshes in the FEM or higher-order radial interpolation polynomials in the IFEM, which causes additional degrees of freedom (DOF). As such, more computational cost is required. For this reason, knowledge about convergence behavior of the modes for different mesh cases is desirable, and is the aim of this paper. It is shown that the acoustic impedance matrix for the calculation of the radiation modes can be also constructed from the system matrices of finite and infinite elements instead of boundary element matrices, as is usually done. Grouping behavior of the eigenvalues of the radiation modes can be observed. Finally, both kinds of modes in exterior acoustics are compared in the example of the cross-section of a recorder in air. When the number of DOF is increased by using higher-order radial interpolation polynomials, different eigenvalue convergences can be observed for interpolation polynomials of even and odd order.