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This paper investigates the sensitivity of gate-all-around (GAA) nanowire (NW) to process variations compared with multigate devices using analytical solutions of Poisson's equation verified with device simulation. GAA NW and multigate devices with both heavily doped and lightly doped channels have been examined regarding their immunity to process-induced variations and dopant number fluctuation. Our study indicates that the lightly doped GAA NW has the smallest threshold voltage (Vth) dispersion caused by process variations and dopant number fluctuation. Specifically, the GAA NW shows better immunity to channel thickness variation than multigate devices because of its inherently superior surrounding gate structure. For heavily doped devices, dopant number fluctuation may become the dominant factor in the determination of overall Vth variation. The Vth dispersion of GAA NW may therefore be larger than that of multigate MOSFETs because of its larger surface-to-volume ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal design of MEMS/NEMS packages is drawing more attention from both industrial and academic communities. When the system becomes extremely small, the atomistic effects have to be taken into account correctly. The finite element method is not capable of accurately capturing all the information, especially when it is applied to the small dimensions. In order to study failure behavior, precise modeling of interfacial thermal conductance is essential. In this paper, a multi-scale model is proposed to research interfacial thermal resistance in MEMS/NEMS packaging. The model combines a molecular dynamics simulation for the critical regions within the system with a FE method for a continuum description of the remainder of the system. For non-equilibrium simulations, the establishment of the proper boundary condition is very difficult. In this coupled model, the continuum subdomain serves primarily as a boundary model that provides the low frequency impedance and a sink for the energy associated with outgoing waves of the molecular dynamics model. The simulations results show that the temperature distribution is non-uniform along the interface, and the interface tends to accumulate much heat when the temperature of heat source changed. At the primary stage, the interfacial thermal resistance is unstable and will become very large at certain time steps. At the last stage, the change of interfacial thermal resistance tends to be stable. There are few direct experimental measurements of the interfacial thermal resistance between dissimilar materials, while the similar experimental results support the conclusions in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the performance of the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) in simulating a winter drought event, based on two different forcing datasets. We ran EC (ERA-Interim reanalysis data as initial and lateral boundary forcing conditions) and FNL (NCEP-FNL reanalysis data) simulations for the 2008/2009 winter drought event to quantify the impact of any uncertainty in the different initial and lateral boundary forcing data on regional model outputs. The response of the winter mean atmospheric states to the variations in the initial and lateral boundary conditions was investigated on the basis of these simulation results. The spatio-temporal features of precipitation from the EC and FNL runs closely resembled those measured from the Global Summary Of the Day (GSOD) observations, although the EC run data outperformed the FNL run data in both their spatial distribution patterns and precipitation values. The water vapor flux values explain how the differences in the precipitation values between the EC and the FNL runs were generated, whereas temperature values were not sensitive to any changes in forcing data. The model results from these runs also slightly overestimated temperature on both spatial and temporal scales. For the tropospheric atmospheric data recorded at the Fuyang Meteorological Station in Anhui Province, neither the time series nor the statistical analyses showed any evidence of superiority between the two different driver datasets compared with radiosonde data. However, on closer inspection, the influence of different initial and lateral boundary conditions on modeling the tropospheric atmospheric data appeared to be evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To use single‐column models (SCMs) as a research tool for parameterization development and process studies, the SCM must be supplied with realistic initial profiles, forcing fields, and boundary conditions. We propose a new technique for deriving these required profiles, motivated by the increase in number and scale of high‐resolution convection‐permitting simulations. We suggest that these high‐resolution simulations be coarse grained to the required resolution of an SCM, and thereby be used as a proxy for the true atmosphere. This paper describes the implementation of such a technique. We test the proposed methodology using high‐resolution data from the UK Met Office's Unified Model, with a resolution of 4 km, covering a large tropical domain. These data are coarse grained and used to drive the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast's Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) SCM. The proposed method is evaluated by deriving IFS SCM forcing profiles from a consistent T639 IFS simulation. The SCM simulations track the global model, indicating a consistency between the estimated forcing fields and the true dynamical forcing in the global model. We demonstrate the benefits of selecting SCM forcing profiles from across a large domain, namely, robust statistics, and the ability to test the SCM over a range of boundary conditions. We also compare driving the SCM with the coarse‐grained data set to driving it using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast operational analysis. We conclude by highlighting the importance of understanding biases in the high‐resolution data set and suggest that our approach be used in combination with observationally derived forcing data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the pinch-off effect, filling high aspect- ratio, void- and seam-free through-silicon-vias (TSVs) using damascene copper electroplating is one of the technical challenges in realizing 3-D integration and packaging. This paper presents simulation investigation and experimental verification of bottom-up copper electroplating (BCE) to verify its capability in fabricating high aspect-ratio void-free TSVs. Theoretical models for blind- and through-via copper electroplating are derived, and a generic solving method is developed by employing a moving boundary simulation to address the challenge of time-dependent process. The time-resolved evolution of electroplating profiles is simulated after the ion concentration distribution and the electric current density are obtained. The simulation results predict the behaviors of copper electroplating of blind- and through-vias, and reveal the mechanism of void formation. By employing a transfer wafer to provide seed layers, improved BCE is developed and high aspect-ratio void-free TSVs are successfully fabricated. The experimental results verify the theoretical model and the moving boundary simulation method, and prove the capability of BCE in filling high aspect-ratio TSVs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A model, combining acoustical radiosity and the image source method, including phase shifts on reflection, has been developed. The model is denoted Phased Acoustical Radiosity and Image Source Method (PARISM), and it has been developed in order to be able to model both specular and diffuse reflections with complex-valued and angle-dependent boundary conditions. This paper mainly describes the combination of the two models and the implementation of the angle-dependent boundary conditions. It furthermore describes how a pressure impulse response is obtained from the energy-based acoustical radiosity by regarding the model as being stochastic. Three methods of implementation are proposed and investigated, and finally, recommendations are made for their use. Validation of the image source method is done by comparison with finite element simulations of a rectangular room with a porous absorber ceiling. Results from the full model are compared with results from other simulation tools and with measurements. The comparisons of the full model are done for real-valued and angle-independent surface properties. The proposed model agrees well with both the measured results and the alternative theories, and furthermore shows a more realistic spatial variation than energy-based methods due to the fact that interference is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater system is a complex and open system, which is affected by natural conditions and human activities. Natural hydrological processes is conceptualized through relatively simple flow governing equations in groundwater models. Moreover, observation data is always limited in field hydrogeological conditions. Therefore, the predictive results of groundwater simulation often deviate from true values, which is attribute to the uncertainty of groundwater numerical simulation. According to the process of system simulation, the uncertainty sources of groundwater numerical simulation can be divided into model parameters, conceptual model and observation data uncertainties. In addition, the uncertainty stemmed from boundary conditions is sometimes refered as scenario uncertainty. In this paper, the origination and category of groundwater modeling uncertainty are analyzed. The recent progresses on the methods of groundwater modeling uncertainty analysis are reivewed. Furthermore, the researches on the comprehensive analysis of uncertainty sources, and the predictive uncertainty of model outputs are discussed. Finally, several prospects on the deveolpment of groundwater modeling uncetainty analysis are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulation process is currently used in the design and dimensioning of mechanical parts. With the progress of computer materials, the finite elements method (FEM) becomes the most used approach in the simulation of mechanical behaviour. The simulation process needs multiple Design-FEM loops. In order to accelerate those analysis loops, an adaptation of computer aided design (CAD) model is necessary. The adaptation step consists in the simplification of the CAD model geometry by eliminating details (holes, chamfers, fillet, etc.) and faces. In this paper, a novel technique of simplification of the CAD geometry is developed. This technique is a hybrid method based on a combination of the elimination details and merging faces. The merging of faces is based on the energetic method. With this approach, the computing time is reduced by the elimination of geometric details which do not boundary conditions. An implementation of the proposed algorithm on the Open Cascade platform is also presented. The results of the developed method are compared with a previous publication. The reduction of the computing time and the amelioration of the result precision highlight the efficiency of the presented method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the specifics of calculating tonal sound propagating in a flow channel with an installed sound-absorbing device. The calculation is performed on the basis of numerical integrating on linearized nonstationary Euler equations using a code developed by the authors based on the so-called discontinuous Galerkin method. Using the linear theory of small perturbations, the effect of the sound-absorbing lining of the channel walls is described with the modified value of acoustic impedance proposed by the authors, for which, under flow channel conditions, the traditional classification of the active and reactive types of lining in terms of the real and imaginary impedance values, respectively, remains valid. To stabilize the computation process, a generalized impedance boundary condition is proposed in which, in addition to the impedance value itself, some additional parameters are introduced characterizing certain fictitious properties of inertia and elasticity of the impedance surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) has made great progress in the last decade, and its application became wider and wider. In this paper, based on our former combustion LBM model on the macroscale, we attempt to extend it into premixed microcombustion simulation. Considering the external heat losses in microcombustion, the second-order implicit scheme for boundary condition treatment was adopted in our LBM model. Numerical tests have proved that its accuracy and stability were suitable. Furthermore, planar microcombustion with backward-facing step was also studied in order to show its different performances and improvement, which are compared with microcombustor without back step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY To simulate seismic wave propagation in the spherical Earth, the Earth's curvature has to be taken into account. This can be done by solving the seismic wave equation in spherical coordinates by numerical methods. In this paper, we use an optimized, collocated-grid finite-difference scheme to solve the anisotropic velocity-stress equation in spherical coordinates. To increase the efficiency of the finite-difference algorithm, we use a non-uniform grid to discretize the computational domain. The grid varies continuously with smaller spacing in low velocity layers and thin layer regions and with larger spacing otherwise. We use stress-image setting to implement the free surface boundary condition on the stress components. To implement the free surface boundary condition on the velocity components, we use a compact scheme near the surface. If strong velocity gradient exists near the surface, a lower-order scheme is used to calculate velocity difference to stabilize the calculation. The computational domain is surrounded by complex-frequency shifted perfectly matched layers implemented through auxiliary differential equations (ADE CFS-PML) in a local Cartesian coordinate. We compare the simulation results with the results from the normal mode method in the isotropic and anisotropic models and verify the accuracy of the finite-difference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new methodology called Flex-CM for Flexible Compact Modeling to generate and reuse compact models, in order to build a full model of a complex electronic system at an early stage of the design flow. The system is split into independent parts. Each part is numerically modeled using a discrete approach then reduced to save memory and time at the simulation stage. The resulting pluggable and reduced model is called a micro-model. Then, a fast-to-simulate macro-model of a full system can be obtained by assembling the micro-models. The Flex-CM model is presented as a trade-off between reluctance networks and numerical models to perform a magnetic analysis at an early stage of the system design. The Flex-CM models are found to have number of advantages over both methods, resulting however on larger models than reluctance networks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with the mathematical modelling of crowd dynamics within the framework of continuum mechanics. The method uses the mass conservation equation closed by phenomenological models linking the local velocity to density and density gradients. The closures take into account movement in more than one space dimension, presence of obstacles, pedestrian strategies, and modelling of panic conditions. Numerical simulations of the initial-boundary value problems visualize the ability of the models to predict several interesting phenomena related to the complex system under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper the Network Simulation Method (NSM) is proposed as a tool for solving the transverse-motion of thin beams resulting from a bending action. The reliability and robustness of the proposed technique is demonstrated with two examples, in which a pinned–pinned beam and a clamped-mass load beam are, respectively, submitted to different flexural forces. The NSM is a numerical technique for the solution of linear and non-linear problems, which are defined by a mathematical model. Assuming that the electrical variables of voltage and current are equivalent, respectively, to the displacement and the spatial variation of the displacement, a network model for each volume element is designed such that electrical equations are formally equivalent to the spatial discretised equations of the mechanical model. The whole network model, including the devices associated with the boundary conditions, is solved by the numerical computer code PSPICE. The numerical results have been compared with those obtained by the mode-superposition method: the agreement between them is impressive. The temporal behaviour of each quantity involved in the problem is obtained without transform complications, since the whole study has been conducted in the time-domain, with the possibility of obtaining the corresponding spectral content at the end of calculation. The main contribution of the present paper, therefore, is to employ the NSM numerical method in order to arrive at solutions, in the time-domain, of dynamic mechanical problems. One must also emphasize that NSM has not previously been used by other authors to solve physical problems like the ones presented here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we investigated a non-signalized T-shaped intersection using the cellular automata model under the open boundary condition. Two different priority rules at intersection are introduced (Rule 1, Rule 2) to eliminate the jam-packed state. Phase diagram and its variation with the ratios of right and/or left turning vehicles are investigated. The space-time and the density profiles are also studied. The simulation results indicate that the system does not show the same performance under different priority rules, where Rule 1 (resp. Rule 2) can be better than Rule 2 (resp. Rule 1) according to the ratios of turning vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulations of flooding events through rivers and channels require coupling between one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic models. The rivers and channels are relatively narrow, and the widths could be smaller than the grid size used in the background 2D model. The shapes of the rivers and channels are often complex and do not necessarily coincide with the grid points. The coupling between the 1D and 2D models are challenging. In this paper, a novel immersed-boundary (IB) type coupling is implemented. Using this method, no predetermined linking point is required, nor are the discharge boundary conditions needed to be specified on the linking points. The linkage will be dynamically determined by comparing the water levels in the 1D channel and the surrounding dry cell elevations on the 2D background. The linking-point flow conditions, thus, can be dynamically calculated by the IB type implementation. A typical problem of the IB treatment, which is the forming of the nonsmooth zigzag shaped boundary, has not been observed with this method. This coupling method enables more realistic and accurate simulations of water exchange between channels and dry lands during a flooding event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Immersed Boundary (IB) method is a widely-used numerical methodology for the simulation of fluid–structure interaction problems. The IB method utilizes an Eulerian discretization for the fluid equations of motion while maintaining a Lagrangian representation of structural objects. Operators are defined for transmitting information (forces and velocities) between these two representations. Most IB simulations represent their structures with piecewise linear approximations and utilize Hookean spring models to approximate structural forces. Our specific motivation is the modeling of platelets in hemodynamic flows. In this paper, we study two alternative representations – radial basis functions (RBFs) and Fourier-based (trigonometric polynomials and spherical harmonics) representations – for the modeling of platelets in two and three dimensions within the IB framework, and compare our results with the traditional piecewise linear approximation methodology. For different representative shapes, we examine the geometric modeling errors (position and normal vectors), force computation errors, and computational cost and provide an engineering trade-off strategy for when and why one might select to employ these different representations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Size effects are observed within discontinuous fibre composites, such that the material properties change with the specimen volume. Representative volume elements (RVEs) are commonly used to simulate random fibre architectures for finite element analysis of discontinuous fibre composites. A series of simplified 2D RVE models have been created and studied in this paper, in order to determine the relationship between the critical RVE size and fibre length and volume fraction. All models are subjected to periodic boundary conditions, but average properties are extracted from an inner region offset from the model boundary by a distance equivalent to two fibre lengths. According to Saint–Venant’s principle, this offset removes the uncertainty associated with the approximate boundary conditions. A statistical stopping criterion has been adopted to determine the number of realisations required to achieve a representative set of elastic properties for each fibre architecture. The critical RVE side length is shown to be approximately four times the fibre length when considering convergence of the tensile and shear stiffnesses for the range of fibre lengths and volume fractions studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various macroscopic models to describe instability pattern formation are discussed in this paper. They are similar to the Ginzburg–Landau envelope equation, but they can remain valid away from the bifurcation and are based on the technique of Fourier series with slowly varying coefficients. We focus on two questions: the need to take phase changes into account and the boundary conditions to be associated with macroscopic models. The analysis is carried out on the basis of numerical simulations for the problem of a compressed beam on a nonlinear foundation that is quite similar to the well known Swift–Hohenberg equation. The first macroscopic model involves a real envelope so that the phase is assumed to be constant. The second model is also macroscopic and it is a sort of Ginzburg–Landau equation with a complex envelope. The third one follows from a multi-scaled approach with a numerical bridging between the full model near the boundary and a macroscopic model in the bulk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the numerical simulation of non-Fourier transient heat transfer in a two-dimensional sub-100nm metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The dual-phase-lag (DPL) model with a specific normalization procedure is introduced for the modeling of nanoscale heat transport. The boundary conditions are selected similar to what existed in a real MOSFET device, both uniform and non-uniform heat generations within the transistor are applied, and the end parts of the top boundary which are in contact with the metallic material are left open. A temperature-jump boundary condition is used on all boundaries in order to consider the boundary phonon scattering at micro and nanoscale. A three-level finite difference scheme has been employed to generate the numerical results which are illustrated for a silicon sub-100nm MOSFET corresponding to the Knudsen number of 10. The results are presented at real times less than 50ps to avoid the three-dimensional effects. It is concluded that the combination of the DPL model with mixed-type temperature boundary condition is able to predict the heat flux and temperature distribution obtained from the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) more accurate than the ballistic-diffusive equations (BDE). After verification of our results, the thermal field and the hotspot temperature within the bulk silicon are presented and the effect of adding a layer of silicon-dioxide to the transistor on its thermal behavior has been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The possibility of modeling the Navier–Stokes equations and together with the conventional second order slip boundary condition at high Knudsen numbers is explored in this paper by incorporating the Knudsen diffusion phenomenon in rarefied gases. An effective mean free path (MFP) model is augmented to the governing equation and the slip boundary condition, as gas transport properties can be related to the MFP. This simple modification is shown to implicitly take care of the complexities associated in the transitional flow regime, without necessitating dependency of the slip coefficients on the Knudsen number. Unique analytical model with fixed values of slip coefficients is proposed and rigorous comparisons with the experimental and simulation data for pressure driven and thermally driven rarefied gas flows support this conjecture. First and second order slip coefficients have been proposed as 1.1466 and 0.9756 for rectangular channels and 1.1466 and 0.14 for the capillaries, from the continuum to the transition flow regime. The current work is significant from the numerical simulation point of view because simulation tools are better developed for Navier–Stokes equations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on finite element theory, using FLUENT software and three-dimensional model to simulate liquid metal free surface and temperature field of casting filling process numerically. Boundary and initial conditions, such as velocity, pressure, temperature, etc., was reasonably set. The feasibility of using FLUENT to simulate three-dimensional casting was studied; the fluctuation of molten metal free surface was observed; the temperature distribution data on the end of filling was recorded, for further numerical simulation of casting solidification process which provided an accurate initial condition. This paper also predicted defects on casting filling process, and provided a basis for process optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Earth heat exchangers are essential parts of the ground-source heat pumps and the accurate prediction of their performance is of fundamental importance. This paper presents the development and validation of a numerical model for the simulation of energy flows and temperature changes in and around a borehole heat exchanger when a fluid circulates through a U-tube. Based on the time-dependent convection–diffusion equation, the FlexPDE software package is employed to solve the resulting boundary value problem that model a heat exchanger. First, the mathematical model is validated through a comparison with data obtained from experiments with real borehole set-ups in Cyprus. Then the validated model is used to study the heat flow and the temperature variation in the heat-exchanger. Finally conclusions are extracted on how various parameters like the U-tube diameter, the variation of the ground thermal conductivity and specific heat and the borehole filling material affect the temperature of the inlet and outlet fluid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, we have assessed the results of the local and nonlocal versions of Rousselier’s damage model, which have been used here for simulation of ductile crack growth. There are several issues regarding the accuracy of the results which has been addressed in this paper, e.g., accuracy in simulation of crack path, extent and width of the damaged region, fracture resistance behaviour in situations such as symmetric vs. non-symmetric boundary-value problems, mixed-mode loading vs. mode-I loading of the crack-tip, etc. It was also observed that the shape and orientation of the elements at the crack-tip, in addition to their size, influence the results of the local damage model. In this work, it was shown that the above issues can be resolved through the use of nonlocal damage models. The predictions of the nonlocal model are also consistent with the experimental observations unlike its local counterpart. Several examples were presented, where the results as obtained by both the local and nonlocal models were compared. From this experience, it is recommended that the local damage models should not be used blindly by the analysts for all kinds of mesh design, loading, boundary conditions, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a simple transformation of coordinates is proposed that facilitates the efficient simulation of the non-isothermal lithium-ion pseudo 2-D battery model. The transformed model is then conveniently discretized using orthogonal collocation with the collocation points in the spatial direction. The resulting system of differential algebraic equations (DAEs) is solved using efficient adaptive solvers in time. A series of mathematical operations are performed to reformulate the model to enhance computational efficiency and programming convenience while maintaining accuracy even when non-linear or temperature dependent parameters are used. The transformed coordinate allows for efficient simulation and extension from cell sandwich to stack models. Furthermore, the transformation and reformulation techniques are used to simulate operation of an 8-cell battery stack subject to varying heat transfer coefficients as well as specified temperature boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a new, physically-based model for transport processes in wood for conditions below the fiber saturation point. The macroscopic mathematical description of these processes involves three coupled differential equations: two mass balance laws for the bound water and the water vapor phase, and an energy balance equation. These governing equations and the corresponding boundary conditions are expressed in terms of the state variables bound water concentration, water vapor concentration, and temperature. Macroscopic material properties are estimated based on a multiscale approach in the framework of continuum micromechanics. The phase change between the two water phases and the thus resulting coupling between the differential equations cannot be suitably captured in a purely macroscopic description, therefore a microscale sub-model is presented. Numerical solutions of the model equations are derived by means of the Finite Element Method. Finally, the model is applied to prediction of moisture profiles in a wood sample under transient environmental conditions. Comparing these results with corresponding profiles obtained non-destructively by proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) validates the model and confirms suitability of the underlying physical assumptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the methodology followed to perform a co-simulation between 1D (OpenWAM) and 3D (FLUENT) CFD codes. The Method of Characteristics (MoC) has been chosen to transfer the information between the two domains by properly updating the boundary condition at the shared interface. A short explanation of the MoC is provided, including the modifications needed by the Riemann invariants when dealing with non-homentropic flow. The implementation of the coupling is explained, focusing on the particular approach required by FLUENT in order to obtain the Riemann invariants. Two validation tests have been performed. The Sod’s problem has been used to test the numerical accuracy of the coupling methodology. On the other hand, an impulse test rig configuration has been simulated to show the potential capability of a co-simulation in terms of reducing the computational cost. In both cases a good agreement in the solution is found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Theoretical models which approximate individual sand dunes as particles that move and interact via simple rules are currently the only viable method for examining whether large dune fields will evolve into a patterned structure. We find that these types of simulations are sensitive to the influx condition and interaction function, and are not necessarily robust under common assumptions. In this paper, we review continuum dune models and how they connect to models of dune fields that approximate dunes as interacting particles with collision and coalescence dynamics. This type of simple dune field model is examined under different boundary and initial conditions. We identify different long-term behaviors depending on model parameters as well as the way in which dunes are initialized and collide. A “rule” for predicting the end state of a modelled dune field is derived, based on the statistics of a uniform influx dune size distribution and the interaction function. Possible future adjustments to the multiscale model, such as the use of a Gaussian influx dune size distribution, and their effect on the prediction rule are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper focuses on the investigation of the 3D mathematical model to simulate the coupled heat and liquid moisture transfer in hygroscopic porous fibrous media. The flow of the liquid moisture, the water vapor sorption/desorption by fibers and the diffusion of the water vapor are taken into account in this 3D model. Prediction-corrector method is used to solve the 3D governing equations. A series of computational results of the coupled heat and moisture transfer are obtained with the specific initial conditions and boundary conditions. The distribution of the water vapor concentration in the void spaces, the volume fraction of the liquid water in the void spaces, the distribution of the water content in fibers and the changes of the temperature in porous fibrous media are computed. It is shown that the effects of the gravity and capillary actions are significant in hygroscopic porous fibrous media. The comparison with the experimental measurements shows the reasonable agreement between the two. The results illustrate that the 3D model of the coupled heat and liquid moisture transfer in hygroscopic porous fibrous media is satisfactory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three dimensional coupled ocean (HYCOM) and sea ice model (CICE) is applied to a regional setup of the Lincoln Sea, the Nares Strait, and the Baffin Bay. As the sea ice model is originally developed for global simulations, boundary conditions have been implemented for the regional setup. The model results are compared with satellite images and with the large scale simulation that is specified for the boundary conditions. The main focus in this paper is on the simulated variations in the modeled sea ice flux and oceanic volume flux through the Nares Strait in the period September 2005–August 2008. The total sea ice area flux in 2006 is 14×103 km2/year and in 2007 it is 69×103 km2/year. The reason for this difference is mainly the blocking of the ice flow in the Nares Strait in spring 2006. The corresponding volume fluxes are 20km3/year and 120km3/year. The average annual oceanic volume flux varies from 0.6Sv to 1.3Sv from 2006 to 2008. The freshwater flux with a reference salinity of 34.8 varies in the same period from 12mSv to 29mSv. The opening and closing of the North Water, which is one of the largest polynyas in the world, are investigated. A February storm event with opening and refreezing of the North Water is well reproduced. The model results show that the net heat flux in the polynya area at the surface is positive into the ocean from May until the end of July, and hence while the wind is responsible for opening the polynya, the main mechanism for maintaining the polynya in late spring and early summer is the surface heat flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A self-developed simulation platform of natural gas internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (IRSOFC)–gas turbine (GT) hybrid generation system was described in this paper. It fully reflected the concept of multi-level and hierarchical modeling. For SOFC, there are the general electrochemical model including both H2 and CO oxidation, the advanced electrochemical model considering surface diffusion and competition absorption, the mechanistic transport model and its approximate analytical solution. With a set of uniform governing equations for both planar and tubular SOFCs, description of flow and heat transfer in cell-level models provides the boundary conditions for the different types of electrode-level models. And the models with different complexity of other balancing components were also developed for different system requirements. Via the interface configuration and graphic specification in the commercial environment of gPROMS, it fully realized the flexible configuration and modular design for the different cases. By comparison with the experimental data of the Siemens–Westinghouse 220kW demonstration SOFC–GT hybrid generation system, our model library was validated with better performance than the advanced power system analysis tool (APSAT). And the simulation platform can be further used for the performance prediction, system optimization and controller design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper the finite element method for the solution of the eigenvalue problems for piezoelectric bodies with voids is considered. The porosity change properties are taken into account according to Cowin–Nunziato model. The vector–matrix formulations of the modal piezoelectric problems for media with voids are given. The finite element approximations of the continual equations are carried out and the finite dimensional eigenvalue problems are obtained in the expanded and in the various reduced forms. Algorithmic features of the boundary conditions account for electrode surfaces and the surfaces contacting with rigid stamps are discussed. The finite element eigenvalue problems for practically important electric resonance and antiresonance frequencies are obtained. As a numerical example the focusing spherical ultrasonic piezoelectric emitter fulfilled from porous piezoceramics is considered. With the use of Cowin–Nunziato model the effective moduli of the porous piezoceramic material are defined precisely. The results, which we obtain, show a good optimal agreement with the experimental data. The resonant frequency behavior modelling for free and loaded on acoustic media piezoelectric transducer is realized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Network traffic prediction models can be grouped into two types, single models and combined ones. Combined models integrate several single models and thus can improve prediction accuracy. Based on wavelet transform, grey theory, and chaos theory, this paper proposes a novel combined model, wavelet-grey-chaos (WGC), for network traffic prediction. In the WGC model, we develop a time series decomposition method without the boundary problem by modifying the standard a trous algorithm, decompose the network traffic into two parts, the residual part and the burst part to alleviate the accumulated error problem, and employ the grey model GM(1,1) and chaos model to predict the residual part and the burst part respectively. Simulation results on real network traffic show that the WGC model does improve prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel technique has been developed to fabricate uranium-ceramic nuclear fuel using the depleted uranium (DU), U3O8 powder, and allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) polymer precursor. This process involves a continuous change of the composition, porosity, and material properties. To fabricate nuclear fuel with a uniform structure/volume ratio, it is important to understand the transport phenomena during high temperature processing and at different length scales. In our prior work, a system-level model based on the reactive porous medium theory was developed to account for pyrolysis process during the uranium-ceramic fuel fabrication. In this paper, a mesoscopic model based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is developed to simulate the synthesis of filler U3O8 particles and SiC matrix. The system-level model provides the necessary thermal boundary conditions for the mesoscopic simulation. The evolution of the particle concentration and the structure as well as the composition of the composite produced is investigated. Since the process heat flux plays an important role in the material quality and uniformity, the effect of the heating rate, filler particle size and distribution on the uniformity and the structure of the final product are investigated. The uncertainty issue is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A diffused pneumatic silencer had been widely used in the pneumatic fields due to its small dimensions and high level of performance in noise reduction. A numerical simulation of its interior and exterior flow field was important for studying the gas flow in the silencer and the flow structure outside the silencer, as well as for understanding the mechanism of the silencer’s noise reduction. A porous media model and the Darcy–Forchheimer principle were used as the basic theoretical models in this paper. The unified governing equations were used here to describe the compressible flow in and out of the silencer. A robust numerical scheme was used to discritize the equations, and the TDBC (Time-dependent boundary conditions) was used to treat the non-reflecting boundaries. The detailed structures of the inner and outer flow fields of the diffused pneumatic silencer were obtained. The simulation results displayed the characteristics of the flow in the silencer. The nature of the flow outside the silencer, comparable with the experimental data, was also obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper concerns a two dimensional numerical model based on a high-order boundary element method with fully nonlinear free surface boundary conditions. Multiple fluxes are applied as a method of removing the so-called “corner problem”, whereby the direction of the outward normal at geometric discontinuities is ill-defined. In the present method, both fluxes associated with differing directions of the outward normal at a corner are considered, allowing a single node to be placed at that position. This prevents any loss of information at what can be an important part of the boundary, especially if considering simulations of wave reflection and wave run-up. The method is compared to both the double node approach and the use of discontinuous elements and is shown to be a more accurate technique. The success of the method is further demonstrated by its ability to accurately simulate various problems involving wave transmission and wave-structure interactions at domain corners; the results being achieved without the need for filtering, smoothing or re-gridding of any kind. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The formation of an air gap at the mould–metal interface in vertical continuous casting has long been known to have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the process, and has therefore attracted attempts at mathematical modelling. While almost all current efforts consist of complex three-dimensional numerical simulations of the phenomenon, this paper considers instead an asymptotic model that captures the essential characteristics. The model is thermomechanical and is derived for a geometry, where the generalized plane strain approximation is appropriate. Although two-way coupling between the thermal and mechanical problems is accounted for, it is found that the problems decouple at leading order anyway, and that the thickness of the air gap does not depend on the constitutive relation used for describing the inelastic strains. Furthermore, a criterion for the onset of air-gap formation is derived in terms of the process operating parameters. Mathematically, we obtain a moving boundary problem for a parabolic partial differential equation with a degenerate initial condition and a non-standard Neumann-type boundary condition. Sample computations are performed using parameters for the continuous casting of the copper, and the results, qualitative trends and possible extensions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the multipoint boundary value problem for one-dimensional -Laplacian subject to the boundary conditions: where . Applying the fixed point theorem due to Avery and Peterson, we study the existence of at least three symmetric positive solutions to the above boundary value problem. The interesting point is that the nonlinear term contains the first-order derivative explicitly and the boundary condition is of Sturm–Liouville type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, two different 1D mechanistic models for the solidification of a pure substance are presented. The first model is based on the two-domain approach, resulting in 2 partial differential equations (PDEs) and one ordinary differential equation (ODE) with 2 boundary conditions, 2 interface conditions, and one initial condition: the Stefan problem. In the second model, the metal column is considered as one-domain, and one PDE is valid for the whole domain. The result is one PDE with two boundary conditions. The models are implemented in MATLAB, and the ODE solver ode23s is used for solving the systems of equations. The models are developed in order to simulate and control the dynamic response of the solidification rate. The control scheme is based on a linear PI controller. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, static and dynamical problems for linearly elastic shells in curvilinear coordinates are considered. Hierarchies of two-dimensional models for corresponding boundary and initial boundary value problems are constructed within the variational settings. The existence and uniqueness of solutions of the reduced problems are investigated in suitable spaces. Under the conditions of solvability of the original static or dynamical problem, convergence of the sequence of vector functions of three variables restored from the solutions of the constructed two-dimensional problems to the solution of the three-dimensional problem is proved and approximation error is estimated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a comparison of the numerics and simulation results for two "full" Stokes ice sheet models, FELIX-S (Leng et al., 2012) and Elmer/Ice (Gagliardini et al., 2013). The models are applied to the Marine Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for plan view models (MISMIP3d). For the diagnostic experiment (P75D) the two models give similar results (<2% difference with respect to along-flow velocities) when using identical geometries and computational meshes, which we interpret as an indication of inherent consistencies and similarities between the two models. For the standard (Stnd), P75S, and P75R prognostic experiments, we find that FELIX-S (Elmer/Ice) grounding lines are relatively more retreated (advanced), results that are consistent with minor differences observed in the diagnostic experiment results and that we show to be due to different choices in the implementation of basal boundary conditions in the two models. While we are not able to argue for the relative favorability of either implementation, we do show that these differences decrease with increasing horizontal (i.e., both along- and across-flow) grid resolution and that grounding-line positions for FELIX-S and Elmer/Ice converge to within the estimated truncation error for Elmer/Ice. Stokes model solutions are often treated as an accuracy metric in model intercomparison experiments, but computational cost may not always allow for the use of model resolution within the regime of asymptotic convergence. In this case, we propose that an alternative estimate for the uncertainty in the grounding-line position is the span of grounding-line positions predicted by multiple Stokes models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boundary representation (B-Rep) models are surface representations containing geometric and topological information that are used in many fields such as reverse engineering, simulation and optimization. To create a B-Rep model from point clouds of different viewpoints, the data are usually merged into one global point cloud and subsequently a surface model is reconstructed. The drawbacks of this approach are high processing times and the fact that all data must be available at once. We present an online approach for building planar B-Rep models from multiple organized point clouds of different viewpoints. Our procedure consists of two steps: B-Rep reconstruction and B-Rep fusion. For each viewpoint, a partial, incomplete boundary representation model is instantly reconstructed from the depth image. Our incremental fusion algorithm incorporates this partial B-Rep model into a global model built from previous viewpoints, making the model more complete and reducing uncertainty. In contrast to existing approaches, our method can be performed online and a valid B-Rep model of all previous point clouds is always available since our fusion is incremental. This enables an application to terminate the reconstruction if the model contains enough information for a given task. We evaluated our approach with an application in the field of robotics, where a depth sensor is attached to a robot arm that observes its workspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the authors propose efficient numerical methods to solve mathematical models for different optimal investment problems with irreversible environmental effects. A relevant point is that both the benefits of the environment and the alternative project are uncertain. The cases with instantaneous and progressive transformation of the environment are addressed. In the first case, an augmented Lagrangian active set (ALAS) algorithm combined with finite element methods are proposed as a more efficient technique for the numerical solution to the obstacle problem associated with a degenerated elliptic PDE. In the second case, the mathematical model can be split into two subsequent steps: first we solve numerically a set of parameter dependent boundary value problems (the parameter being the level of progressive transformation), and secondly an evolutive nonstandard obstacle problem is discretized, thus leading to an obstacle problem at each time step. Also, an ALAS algorithm is proposed at each time step. Numerical solutions are validated through qualitative properties theoretically proven in the literature for different examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulation of acoustic waves in fractured media is considered. A self-consistent field model is proposed that describes the formation of a scattered field and the attenuation of the incident field. For the total field, a wave equation with a complex velocity is derived and the corresponding dispersion equation is studied. A frequency-dependent field damping law and an energy variation law are established. An initial and a boundary value problem for waves in a fractured medium is addressed. A finite-difference scheme for the initial value problem is constructed, and a condition for its stability is established. Numerical results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical addition theorems of both axially anisotropic and axially isotropic parallel-plate modes are derived using a method based on boundary integral equations. This leads to a generalized multiple scattering (GMS) method for signal/power integrity analysis of dense vias in an arbitrarily shaped plate pair, which overcomes the limitation of the conventional multiple scattering method depending on the analytical addition theorems in an infinitely large or a finite circular plate pair. Both the numerical addition theorems and the GMS method have been validated by comparing results with either analytical expressions for special cases or full-wave simulations for more general cases. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the advantages of the generalized method over previous via models by taking into account the axially anisotropic modes due to the asymmetry caused by dense vias and/or arbitrarily shaped power/ground plate edges on via performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief discussion and review of the geothermal reservoir systems, geothermal energy and modeling and simulation of the geothermal reservoirs has been presented here. Different types of geothermal reservoirs and their governing equations have been discussed first. The conceptual and numerical modeling along with the representation of flow though fractured media, some issues related to non isothermal flow through fractured media, the efficiency of the geothermal reservoir, structure of the numerical models, boundary conditions and calibration procedures have been illustrated. A brief picture of the Indian scenario and some barriers related with geothermal power are discussed and presented thereafter. Finally some gaps of the existing knowledge and recent focuses of research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]