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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Jiawei Wang, Feng Chen, Jinghui Shao, Weichen Zhang and Xikui Ma

This paper aims to present a novel hybrid time integration approach for efficient numerical simulations of multiscale problems involving interactions of electromagnetic fields…

249

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel hybrid time integration approach for efficient numerical simulations of multiscale problems involving interactions of electromagnetic fields with fine structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The entire computational domain is discretized with a coarse grid and a locally refined subgrid containing the tiny objects. On the coarse grid, the time integration of Maxwell’s equations is realized by the conventional finite-difference technique, while on the subgrid, the unconditionally stable Krylov-subspace-exponential method is adopted to breakthrough the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy stability condition.

Findings

It is shown that in contrast with the conventional finite-difference time-domain method, the proposed approach significantly reduces the memory costs and computation time while providing comparative results.

Originality/value

An efficient hybrid time integration approach for numerical simulations of multiscale electromagnetic problems is presented.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Jinghui Shao, Zhen Kang, Jiawei Wang and Xikui Ma

The purposes of this paper are to numerically analyse the distribution of the electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic device wherein a high-speed unit exists and to develop a…

142

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to numerically analyse the distribution of the electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic device wherein a high-speed unit exists and to develop a strong tool to analyse the evolution of an electromagnetic field tangled with moving parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The precise integration time domain (PITD) method and parameter weighted averaging approximation scheme.

Findings

It is shown that that the electromagnetic field in the device is significantly affected by the velocity of the moving unit and the parameters of the base material. The computation resources of the proposed method are saved and the efficiency is enhanced.

Originality/value

The parameter approximation (PA)-PITD method can be an effective and efficient time domain method to analyse the evolution of the electromagnetic field in electromagnetic devices with moving parts and similar problems.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Qi Liu, Xikui Ma, Zhongming Bai and Xu Zhuansun

– This paper aims to present a modified precise integration time domain (PITD) method for the numerical solution of 2D scalar wave equation.

157

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a modified precise integration time domain (PITD) method for the numerical solution of 2D scalar wave equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The split step (SS) scheme is applied to factorize the conventional PITD calculation into two sub-steps procedures and then field components can be updated along one spatial direction only in each sub-step. The perfectly matched layer (PML) absorber is extended to this method for modeling open region problems by using the stretched coordinate approach.

Findings

It is shown that this method requires less computation time and storage space in comparison with the conventional PITD method, yet maintains the numerical stability despite using large time steps.

Research limitations/implications

The WE-PITD method requires the divergence free region, which may be a limit on its usage. Hence, there is a challenge of using this technique in the 3D problems.

Originality/value

Based on the SS scheme, the PITD method is used to solve the scale wave equation rather than Maxwell's equations, leading to a significant reduction in the computation time and memory usage.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 33 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Zhongming Bai, Xikui Ma, Xu Zhuansun and Qi Liu

The purpose of the paper is to introduce a perfectly matched layer (PML) absorber, based on Berenger's split field PML, to the recently proposed low-dispersion precise integration…

179

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to introduce a perfectly matched layer (PML) absorber, based on Berenger's split field PML, to the recently proposed low-dispersion precise integration time domain method using a fourth-order accurate finite difference scheme (PITD(4)).

Design/methodology/approach

The validity and effectiveness of the PITD(4) method with the inclusion of the PML is investigated through a two-dimensional (2-D) point source radiating example.

Findings

Numerical results indicate that the larger time steps remain unchanged in the procedure of the PITD(4) method with the PML, and meanwhile, the PITD(4) method employing the PML is of the same absorbability as that of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with the PML. In addition, it is also demonstrated that the later time reflection error of the PITD(4) method employing the PML is much lower than that of the FDTD method with the PML.

Originality/value

An efficient application of PML in fourth-order precise integration time domain method for the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 33 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Ke Wan and Xikui Li

The purpose of this paper is to extend the bridge scale method (BSM) developed for granular materials with only the solid phase to that taking into account the effects of wetting…

341

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the bridge scale method (BSM) developed for granular materials with only the solid phase to that taking into account the effects of wetting process in porous continuum. The granular material is modeled as partially saturated porous Cosserat continuum and discrete particle assembly in the coarse and fine scales, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the mass and momentum conservation laws for the three phases, i.e. the solid skeleton, the pore water and the pore air, the governing equations for the unsaturated porous Biot-Cosserat continuum model in the coarse scale are derived. In light of the passive air pressure assumption, a reduced finite element model for the model is proposed. According to the decoupling of the fine and coarse scale calculations in the BSM, the unsaturated porous Cosserat continuum model using the finite element method and the discrete element model using the discrete element method for granular media are combined.

Findings

The numerical results for a 2D example problem of slope stability subjected to increasing rainfall along with mechanical loading demonstrate the applicability and performance of the present BSM. The microscopic mechanisms of macroscopic shear band developed in the slope are demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

Do not account for yet the effects of unsaturated pore water in the fine scale.

Originality/value

The novel BSM that couples the Biot-Cosserat porous continuum modeling and the discrete particle assembly modeling in both coarse and fine scales, respectively, is proposed to provide a micro-macro discrete-continuum two-scale modeling approach for numerical simulations of the hydro-mechanical coupling problems in unsaturated granular materials.

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Wei Zhou, Gang Ma, Xiao-Lin Chang and Yin Duan

The purpose of this paper is to discretely model rockfill materials considering the irregular shape of the particles and their crushability. The scientific goal was to investigate…

533

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discretely model rockfill materials considering the irregular shape of the particles and their crushability. The scientific goal was to investigate the influence of particle crushability and shape on the mechanical behavior of rockfill materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of generating irregular-shaped particles was based on the observation that most rockfill grains can be approximately circumscribed by an ellipsoid. Two shape descriptors were used to make the virtual particles closely replicate the geometric features of natural rockfill grains. The combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) was used to numerically simulate a drained, tri-axial compression test. The particle assemblies were subjected to tri-axial compression under strain controlled conditions while a constant confining pressure was maintained.

Findings

The non-breakable particles showed a remarkable ability to dilate as a result of a higher inter-particle locking effect. Dilation forces the particles to move from a lower potential energy state to a higher potential energy state, which causes the micro-structure to become less stable, resulting in a dramatic decline in the angle of friction from the peak state to the residual state. In addition, the elongated particles enhance the interlocking effect, but breakage is also more likely to occur. The net effect of those two mechanisms controls the overall shearing resistance of rockfill materials.

Originality/value

After calibration using a few micro-parameters, the combined FDEM was able to reproduce the typical behavior of rockfill materials without requiring a description of the complex relationship that exists between constituents; this relationship must be described in continuum mechanics. The simulation results showed that this approach is predictive. The combined FDEM also provides an opportunity for a quantitative study of the micro-structure of granular materials, and this study will help us to better understand the mechanical characteristics of rockfill materials.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Wen-Juan Zhang, Xue-Hua Ruan, Gao-Hong He, Yong-Liang Ma and Yuan-Fa Liu

The permeate flux in microfiltration (MF) declines sharply with time due to membrane fouling, which seriously restricts its use in industrial applications. The purpose of this…

359

Abstract

Purpose

The permeate flux in microfiltration (MF) declines sharply with time due to membrane fouling, which seriously restricts its use in industrial applications. The purpose of this paper is to investigate particles deposition in MF processes, and propose a three-dimensional numerical model that focuses on particle-fluid flow and considers both permeable boundary conditions and cake deposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-ways coupling model was solved using Euler-Lagrange methods in which the suspended particle was traced by a hard sphere model and the fluid was simulated using large eddy model.

Findings

The numerical results predicted based on this model demonstrated the permeate flux increased as trans-membrane pressure and inlet velocity increased but decreased with an increase in feed concentration.

Research limitations/implications

Good agreement was observed between the values obtained with the model and experimental values from the literature. The error is less than 20 per cent both permeate flux and cake thickness. In addition, a precise visualisation of cake morphology with filtration time was provided.

Originality/value

These analyses allowed for an estimation of the three-dimensional motion of suspended particles in turbulent flow. It saves manpower and financial resources for experiment, which possess important theoretical and industrial significance.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Chun Feng, Shi-hai Li and Eugenio Onate

Continuum-based discrete element method is an explicit numerical method, which is a combination of block discrete element method (DEM) and FEM. When simulating large deformation…

267

Abstract

Purpose

Continuum-based discrete element method is an explicit numerical method, which is a combination of block discrete element method (DEM) and FEM. When simulating large deformation problems, such as cutting, blasting, water-like material flowing, the distortion of elements will lead to no convergence of the numerical system. To solve the convergence problem, a particle contact-based meshfree method (PCMM) is introduced in. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

PCMM is based on traditional particle DEM, and use particle contacts to generate triangular elements. If three particles are contact with each other, the element will be created. Once elements are created, the macroscopic constitutive law could be introduced in. When large deformation of element occurs, the contact relationship between particles will be changed. Those elements that do not meet the contact condition will be deleted, and new elements that coincide with the relationship will be generated. By the deletion and creation of elements, the convergence problem induced by element distortion will be eliminated. To solve FEM and PCMM coupled problems, a point-edge contact model is introduced in, and normal and tangential springs are adopted to transfer the contact force between particles and blocks.

Findings

According to the deletion and recreation of elements based on particle contacts, PCMM could simulate large deformation problems. Some numerical cases (i.e. elastic field testing, uniaxial compression analysis and wave propagation simulation) show the accuracy of PCMM, and others (i.e. soil cutting, contact burst and water-like material flowing) show the rationality of PCMM.

Originality/value

In traditional particle DEM, contact relationships are used to calculate contact forces. But in PCMM, contact relationships are adopted to generate elements. Compared to other meshfree methods, in PCMM, the element automatic deletion and recreation technique is used to solve large deformation problems.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Zhenyuan Tang and Decheng Wan

The jet impingement usually accompanying large interface movement is studied by the in-house solver MLParticle-SJTU based on the modified moving particle semi-implicit (MPS…

459

Abstract

Purpose

The jet impingement usually accompanying large interface movement is studied by the in-house solver MLParticle-SJTU based on the modified moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method, which can provide more accurate pressure fields and deformed interface shape. The comparisons of the pressure distribution and the shape of free surface between the presented numerical results and the analytical solution are investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To avoid the instability in traditional MPS, a modified MPS method is employed, which include mixed source term for Poisson pressure equation (PPE), kernel function without singularity, momentum conservative gradient model and highly precise free surface detection approach. Detailed analysis on improved schemes in the modified MPS is carried out. In particular, three kinds of source term in PPE are considered, including: particle number density (PND) method, mixed source term method and divergence-free method. Two typical kernel functions containing original kernel function with singularity and modified kernel function without singularity are analyzed. Three kinds of pressure gradient are considered: original pressure gradient (OPG), conservative pressure gradient (CPG) and modified pressure gradient (MPG). In addition, particle convergence is performed by running the simulation with various spatial resolutions. Finally, the comparison of the pressure fields by the modified MPS and by SPH is presented.

Findings

The modified MPS method can provide a reliable pressure distribution and the shape of the free surface compared to the analytical solution in a steady state after the water jet impinging on the wall. Specifically, mixed source term in PPE can give a reasonable profile of the shape of free surface and pressure distribution, while PND method adopted in the traditional MPS is not stable in simulation, and divergence-free method cannot produce rational pressure field near the wall. Two kernel functions show similar pressure field, however, the kernel function without singularity is preferred in this case to predict the profile of free surface and pressure on the wall. The shape of free surface by CPG and MPG is agreement with the analytical solution, while a great discrepancy can be observed by OPG. The pressure peak by MPG is closer to the analytical solution than that by CPG, while the pressure distribution on the right hand side of the pressure peak by latter is better match with the analytical solution than that by former. Besides, fine spatial resolution is necessary to achieve a good agreement with analytical results. In addition, the pressure field by the modified MPS is also quite similar to that by SPH, and this can further validate the reliable of current modified MPS.

Originality/value

The present modified MPS appears to be a stable and reliable tool to deal with the impinging jet flow problems involving large interface movement. Mixed source term in PPE is superior to PND adopted in the traditional MPS and divergence-free method. The kernel function without singularity is preferred to improve the computational accuracy in this case. CPG is a good choice to obtain the shape of free surface and the pressure distribution by jet impingement.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Yuanqiang Tan, Rong Deng, Y T Feng, Hao Zhang and Shengqiang Jiang

The purpose of this paper is to establish a new two-phase Discrete Element Method (DEM) model to investigate the movement of fresh concrete which consists of mortar and aggregate…

723

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a new two-phase Discrete Element Method (DEM) model to investigate the movement of fresh concrete which consists of mortar and aggregate. The established DEM model was adopted to simulate the mixing process of fresh concrete based on the commercial software package PFC3D. The trajectories of particles and particle clusters were recorded to analyze the mixing behavior from different scales. On one hand, the macro-scale movement was obtained to make the mixing process visualization. On the other hand, the relative micro movement of the single particle and particle clusters was also monitored to further study the mixing mechanism of the fresh concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

A new two-phase DEM model was designed to simulate the movement of fresh concrete which consists of mortar and aggregate. The linear-spring dashpot model was used to model all the contacts between particle and particle/wall to characterize the viscidity of fresh concrete. Moreover, two sets of parallel bond models were employed to characterize the contact between the mortar particles and mortar/coarse aggregate particles, namely the pbond1 and pbond2. The hybrid treatment enables the current DEM model to handle the yield behavior.

Findings

The mixing process of fresh concrete is mainly composed by the transportation in the x-direction and the overturn and fall off in the y- and z-directions. With these movements in different directions, the concrete particles can be fully mixed in the mixing drum.

Originality/value

A new two-phase DEM model was proposed and used to simulate the mixing process of fresh concrete. The outcomes of the simulation would be helpful for making the transporting truck visualization and the movement behavior of fresh concrete observable. The model can provide dynamic information of particles to reveal the interaction mechanism of fresh concrete in the truck mixer which is extremely difficult to obtain on-line in physical experiments or building site.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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