Development of efficient methodology for large deformations in conjugate heat transfer simulations

Mesh adaption and morphing in CFD has been primarily focused on the manipulation of grids defining fluid domains. Numerous studies exist investigating mesh manipulation and error estimation based on fluid domain properties, but there are only a few that have been applied to the case of deposition layers developing on heated surfaces. In this type of problem, the solid and fluid domains are coupled by energy through heat transfer which poses the requirement for both fluid and solid domains to be suitably discretised at all times.

The aim of this project is to develop a methodology based on radial basis function in which large deformations due to deposition growth, can be accurately captured in the fluid and solid domains. This can be achieved by minimising the discretisation errors by taking into account properties from both fluid and solid domains which has not been done before.

This study will enable the accurate simulation of depositing fronts that are causing substantial deformations of wetted walls while maintaining accurate discretisation for both fluid and solid domains.

The developed methodology will allow more accurate simulations to be carried out without the limitation of the amount of deposits being the prohibitive factor for such simulations. By removing such limitation, a wide range of exploration space can be investigated therefore giving significant insight on performance beyond normal operating conditions.

This is a self-funded PhD.

For further information contact Dr Spiridon Siouris (s.siouris@sheffield.ac.uk).