Computational Fluid Dynamics

Publications

GILA User's Manual

This is the User's Manual for GILA, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation code from Sandia National Laboratories. It provides detailed guidance for leveraging GILA's capabilities in various computational mechanics problems, specifically those involving incompressible fluid flow and complex thermal-hydraulic interactions.

Subsurface Transport Modeling Using Adaptive Finite Elements

D.W. Pepper, Yi-tung Chen, and Lan Li

This paper presents GWADAPT, a Computational Fluid Dynamics model that utilizes an adaptive finite element method for simulating groundwater flow and subsurface contaminant transport. It highlights how this numerical approach, through local mesh adaptation, provides an efficient and accessible solution for complex environmental transport problems on various computing platforms.

Detached Eddy Simulations of lncom Pressible Turbulent Flows Using the Finite Element Method

G. Laskowski

This paper explores the implementation and validation of the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model for incompressible turbulent flows using the finite element method within a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) framework. It compares RANS and DES formulations, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each in capturing turbulent flow characteristics, particularly near solid boundaries.

Investigation of Flow in a Radial Inlet of an Industrial Pipeline Centrifugal Compressor

This study shows how CFD can accurately predict and postdict complex flow phenomena in a centrifugal compressor's inlet, proving its value as a cost-effective and efficient design tool.

CFD Model Velocity Profiles to Test Data for Inlet Nozzle Region of Nuclear PWR Fuel Assemblies

This study investigates the impact of different inlet nozzle designs on the axial velocity profiles within a PWR fuel assembly. The research, which utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models and validated the findings against experimental air test data, demonstrates how specific nozzle geometries can be optimized to reduce steep velocity gradients, thereby mitigating fuel rod vibration and fretting-wear damage.