Search results for "Numerical model"
showing 10 items of 117 documents
An improved Smoothed Particle ElectroMagnetics method in 3D time domain simulations
2012
In this paper, an enhanced variant of the meshless smoothed particle electromagnetics (SPEM) method is performed in order to solve PDEs in time domain describing 3D transient electromagnetic phenomena. The method appears to be very efficient in approximating spatial derivatives in the numerical treatment of Maxwell's curl equations. In many cases, very often, accuracy degradation, due to a lack of particle consistency, severely limits the usefulness of this approach. A numerical corrective strategy, which allows to restore the SPEM consistency, without any modification of the smoothing kernel function and its derivatives, is presented. The method allows to restore the same order of consiste…
MAST solution of irrotational flow problems in 2D domains with strongly unstructured triangular meshes
2010
A new methodology for the solution of irrotational 2D flow problems in domains with strongly unstructured meshes is presented. A fractional time step procedure is applied to the original governing equations, solving consecutively a convective prediction system and a diffusive corrective system. The non linear components of the problem are concentrated in the prediction step, while the correction step leads to the solution of a linear system, of the order of the number of computational cells. A MArching in Space and Time (MAST) approach is applied for the solution of the convective prediction step. The major advantages of the model, as well as its ability to maintain the solution monotonicit…
Quantification and visualization of finite strain in 3D viscous numerical models of folding and overthrusting
2020
Abstract Finite strain analysis and three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling are important methods to understand the deformation history of rocks. Here, we analyze finite strain in 3D numerical simulations of power-law viscous folding and overthrusting. Simulations with different and laterally varying detachment geometries cause a lateral transition from folding (for thicker detachments) to overthrusting. We compute the 3D finite strain tensor, the principal strain values and their orientations. We compute the Nadai strain, e S , and the Lode’s ratio, ν , representing the strain symmetry (constriction or flattening). We apply Hsu diagrams to visualize strain distribution in e S - ν space, …
Random wave run-up with a physically-based Lagrangian shoreline model
2014
Abstract In the present paper the run-up of random waves was calculated by means of a numerical method. In situ measurements based on a video imaging technique have been used for the validation of the present numerical model. The on-site run-up measurements have been carried out at Lido Signorino beach, near Marsala, Italy,along a transect, normal to the shore. A video camera and a linear array of rods have been used to obtain field data. Numerical simulations with a 1DH Boussinesq-type of model for breaking waves which takes into account the wave run-up by means of a Lagrangian shoreline model have been carried out. In such simulations random waves of given spectrum have been propagated in…
4D paleoenvironmental evolution of the Early Triassic Sonoma Foreland Basin (western USA)
2017
In the wake of the Mesozoic, the Early Triassic (~251.95 Ma) corresponds to the aftermath of the most severe mass extinction of the Phanerozoic: the end-Permian crisis, when life was nearly obliterated (e.g., 90% of marine species disappeared). Consequences of this mass extinction are thought to have prevailed for several millions of years, implying a delayed recovery lasting the whole Early Triassic, if not more. Several paradigms have been established and associated to a delayed biotic recovery scenario expected to have resulted from harsh and deleterious paleoenvironments. These paradigms include a global anoxia in the marine realm, a “Lilliput” effect, and the presence of “disaster” tax…
A validated energy model of a solar dish-Stirling system considering the cleanliness of mirrors
2020
Solar systems based on the coupling of parabolic concentrating collectors and thermal engines (i.e. dish-Stirling systems) are among the most efficient generators of solar power currently available. This study focuses on the modelling of functioning data from a 32 kWe dish-Stirling solar plant installed at a facility test site on the University of Palermo campus, in Southern Italy. The proposed model, based on real monitored data, the energy balance of the collector and the partial load efficiency of the Stirling engine, can be used easily to simulate the annual energy production of such systems, making use of the solar radiation database, with the aim of encouraging a greater commercialisa…
A methodology for optimisation of solar dish-Stirling systems size, based on the local frequency distribution of direct normal irradiance
2021
Abstract In geographical areas where direct solar irradiation levels are relatively high, concentrated solar energy systems are one of the most promising green energy technologies. Dish-Stirling systems are those that achieve the highest levels of solar-to-electric conversion efficiency, and yet they are still among the least common commercially available technologies. This paper focuses on a strategy aimed at promoting greater diffusion of dish-Stirling systems, which involves optimizing the size of the collector aperture area based on the hourly frequency distributions of beam irradiance and defining a new incentive scheme with a feed-in tariff that is variable with the installed costs of…
Numerical models for long-term performance assessment of lightweight insulating assemblies
2019
Abstract This paper presents the results of numerical modelling of hygrothermal processes in test buildings situated in the Botanical garden of the University of Latvia. Long-term performance of wall, floor and ceiling insulating assemblies for five different buildings was simulated using WUFI Pro 6.3. On the experimental side, measurements of temperature and relative humidity at key points of assembles have been accumulated over a period of roughly six years and material samples were taken from building envelope materials for biological analysis. We found that our models rather successfully reproduce the experientially observed temperature and relative humidity dynamics. In the process, we…
Design and experimental test of a low costweather buoy
2013
The importance of prevention plans based on realistic inundation scenarios was dramatically highlighted by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004. But also in the Mediterranean, sea storms basin are a quite common event especially during winter months. These scenarios are generally based on numerical models of tsunami wave propagation that can become more realistic and effective when calibrated with the distribution of true data acquired by special weather buoy. In this paper we present the result of an experimental weather buoy built by DEIM of University of Palermo, that is characterized by small cost and big versatility.
Effect of pH and nitrite concentration on nitrite oxidation rate
2011
The effect of pH and nitrite concentration on the activity of the nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in an activated sludge reactor has been determined by means of laboratory batch experiments based on respirometric techniques. The bacterial activity was measured at different pH and at different total nitrite concentrations (TNO 2). The experimental results showed that the nitrite oxidation rate (NOR) depends on the TNO 2 concentration independently of the free nitrous acid (FNA) concentration, so FNA cannot be considered as the real substrate for NOB. NOB were strongly affected by low pH values (no activity was detected at pH 6.5) but no inhibition was observed at high pH values (activity wa…