Documents published in Scipedia

• Component-based model order reduction procedure for large scales Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical systems

  A. Iollo, G. Sambataro, T. Taddei

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  In this work we develop a component-based model order reduction (CB-pMOR) procedure for a class of problems in nonlinear mechanics with internal variables. The work is motivated by applications to thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) systems for radioactive waste disposal. The THM system is coupled, time-dependent, and highly nonlinear; furthermore, the solution to the problem depends on several parameters, which might be related to the geometric configuration (e.g. the number of repositories, their distance or their size) or the material properties of the medium. We investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of accuracy and computational costs for a two-dimensional THM system in the case of overlapping partitions

  Abstract
  In this work we develop a component-based model order reduction (CB-pMOR) procedure for a class of problems in nonlinear mechanics with internal variables. The work is motivated [...]

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• A Comparison Of Direct Solvers In FROSch Applied To Chemo-Mechanics

  A. Heinlein, B. Keifer, S. Prüger, O. Rheinbach, F. Röver

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  Sparse direct linear solvers are at the computational core of domain decomposition preconditioners and therefore have a strong impact on their performance. In this paper, we consider the Fast and Robust Overlapping Schwarz (FROSch) solver framework of the Trilinos software library, which contains a parallel implementations of the GDSW domain decomposition preconditioner. We compare three different sparse direct solvers used to solve the subdomain problems in FROSch. The preconditioner is applied to different model problems; linear elasticity and more complex fully-coupled deformation diffusion-boundary value problems from chemomechanics. We employ FROSch in fully algebraic mode, and therefore, we do not expect numerical scalability. Strong scalability is studied from 64 to 4 096 cores, where good scaling results are obtained up to 1 728 cores. The increasing size of the coarse problem increases the solution time for all sparse direct solvers.

  Abstract
  Sparse direct linear solvers are at the computational core of domain decomposition preconditioners and therefore have a strong impact on their performance. In this paper, [...]

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• Coupled Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Nonlocality in Advanced Mathematical Models for the Analysis of Complex Neurodegenerative Disease Pathologies

  S. Pal, R. Melik

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  One in six of the world’s population has to deal with neurodegenerative disorders, and while medical devices exist to detect, prevent, and treat such disorders, some fundamentals of the progression of associated diseases remain ambiguous. In this contribution, we focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins are among the main contributors to the development or propagation of AD. The Aβ proteins clump together to form plaques and disrupt cell functions. Moreover, the abnormal chemical change in the brain helps to build sticky tau tangles that block the neuron’s transport system. Astrocytes generally maintain a healthy balance in the brain by clearing the Aβ toxic plaques. Even so, over-activated astrocytes release chemokines and cytokines and also react to pro-inflammatory cytokines, further increasing the production of Aβ. We have provided details of a novel coupled mathematical model that can capture astrocytes’ dual behaviour, emphasizing the importance of spatio-temporal coupling and nonlocality. We have demonstrated that the disease propagation depends on memory effects, that is the disease’s earlier status, which involves non-Markovian processes. We have explained how to integrate brain connectome data in the network model and to study this effect, as well as the dual role of astrocytes as a coupled phenomenon. Depending on toxic loads in the brain, we have also discussed details of the analysis of the neuronal damage in the brain. We have explained how the memory effect can slow down the propagation of toxic proteins in the brain, decreasing the rate of neuronal damage. Representative numerical examples have been given, and special attention has been paid to nonequilibrium considerations and stochastic modelling frameworks in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.

  Abstract
  One in six of the world’s population has to deal with neurodegenerative disorders, and while medical devices exist to detect, prevent, and treat such disorders, some [...]

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• Development of an FSI Environment for the Aerodynamic Performance Assessment of Flapping Wings

  R. Poletti, M. Barucca, L. Koloszar, M. Mendez, J. Degroote

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  Insects and birds take advantage of their flexible wings to modulate the aerodynamic forces and increase their flight efficiency. A deep understanding of the aeroelastic benefits could be valuable to design Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles (FWMAVs) that exploit nature’s full potential. This work presents an open-source, high-fidelity, Fluid-Structure Interaction solver (FSI) to simulate flapping and deforming wings. The proposed approach uses the code CoCoNuT to couple the Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) software Kratos Multiphysics with the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software OpenFOAM. The coupling code relies on the Interface Quasi-Newton with Inverse Jacobian method (IQNI). The CSM evaluates the wing deformation using a classic Finite Element Method with shell elements, while the CFD solver uses the deformable overset method. In the CFD solver, the deformation of the wing is interpolated onto the grid’s boundaries to accurately simulate wings with large motion and deformation. The FSI solver is tested in the case of an airfoil in heave motion and validated with experimental data. The results demonstrate the strong influence of wing deformation on its aerodynamic performance

  Abstract
  Insects and birds take advantage of their flexible wings to modulate the aerodynamic forces and increase their flight efficiency. A deep understanding of the aeroelastic benefits [...]

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• A numerical approach for the characterization of the free-fall dynamics of thin disks

  A. Lolli, G. Corsi

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  This study focuses on investigating numerically the dynamics of thin disks freely falling inside viscous and incompressible fluids. We solve the model by using the finite element method and the main falling modes are identified using the Reynolds number and dimensionless inertia moment. The results are mapped in a phase diagram for comparison with existing literature and validation of the simulations. The effect of introducing a hole in the disk geometry is investigated, analyzing variations in trajectories and Strouhal numbers. Furthermore, falling styles are quantified by examining the fluctuations of the orientation of the axis of the disks over time. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of the solid body velocities for the fluttering and tumbling modes highlights the significant differences between them. The study successfully characterizes the main falling modes through qualitative and quantitative analyses.

  Abstract
  This study focuses on investigating numerically the dynamics of thin disks freely falling inside viscous and incompressible fluids. We solve the model by using the finite [...]

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• Efficient numerical methods for simulating cardiac electrophysiology with cellular resolution

  F. Chegini, A. Foehly, N. Huynh, L. Pavarino, M. Potse, S. Scacchi, M. Weiser

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  The cardiac extracellular-membrane-intracellular (EMI) model enables the precise geometrical representation and resolution of aggregates of individual myocytes. As a result, it not only yields more accurate simulations of cardiac excitation compared to homogenized models but also presents the challenge of solving much larger problems. In this paper, we introduce recent advancements in three key areas: (i) the creation of artificial, yet realistic grids, (ii) efficient higher-order time stepping achieved by combining low-overhead spatial adaptivity on the algebraic level with progressive spectral deferred correction methods, and (iii) substructuring domain decomposition preconditioners tailored to address the complexities of heterogeneous problem structures. The efficiency gains of these proposed methods are demonstrated through numerical results on cardiac meshes of different sizes.

  Abstract
  The cardiac extracellular-membrane-intracellular (EMI) model enables the precise geometrical representation and resolution of aggregates of individual myocytes. As a result, [...]

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• Multiphysics Numerical Investigations of Hot Components in a sCO2 Power Plant Turbine

  G. Generini, I. Rafanellí, A. Andreini, M. Dozzini, A. Milani, M. Bigi

  coupled2023.

  
  

  Abstract

  To achieve a higher energy conversion efficiency, the use of supercritical CO2 (sCO2) in closed-loop Brayton and Rankine cycles has become relevant in the last decades due to an increased interest in its properties. sCO2 allows a more efficient heat transfer, chemical stability, non-flammability, and greater system efficiency. The necessity of a sealing system, which creates a barrier between the high-pressure fluid in the turbine and compressor and low-pressure regions, became essential for high-efficiency preservation and plant emissions reduction. In this regard, Dry Gas Seals (DGS) become one of the substantial components for sCO2 turbomachinery design due to lower leakage and higher efficiency than a traditional labyrinth radial seal. The high fluid pressure and density, connected to a small size sealing clearance and a high rotational speed, results in a significant friction heat, which characterizes the domain temperature distribution. The necessity for a thermal analysis of the domain becomes compelling to respect the maximum temperatures allowed in the turbomachine. When drawing up a thermal analysis, the high computational costs of a 3D simulation of the fluid domain (CFD) could be unfavourable due to the different orders of magnitude of secondary flows cavity sizes and DGS seals gaps, and the necessity to run a high number of simulations to define a geometrical sensitivity and optimization of crucial zones. A segregated conjugate heat transfer (CHT) iterative procedure has been implemented, relating a commercial 1D fluid modeller (Altair Flow Simulator) and a commercial finite element solver (Ansys Mechanical). To assess the procedure developed, 3D CFD simulations and CHT analysis of specific critical areas of the domain have been carried out. The segregated approach, implemented within the European project CO2OLHEAT, showed results in line with 3D CFD and CHT analysis, reducing computational time and cost.

  Abstract
  To achieve a higher energy conversion efficiency, the use of supercritical CO2 (sCO2) in closed-loop Brayton and Rankine cycles has become relevant in the last decades due [...]

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• The effect of inherent nonlinearities in coupled piezo-magneto-electric vibration energy harvester

  R. Ardito, M. Rosso

  coupled2023.

  
  

  • 0
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• Accelerating the FlowSimulator: Improvements in FSI Simulations for the HPC Exploitation at Industrial Level

  M. Cristofaro, J. Fenske, I. Huismann, A. Rempke, L. Reimer

  coupled2023.

  
  

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• Failure of ETFE Film Membrane

  D. Karádi, D. Hegyi

  membranes2023.

  
  

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