Computational fluid dynamics

A sudden expansion combustor (SUE) is analyzed using computation fluid dynamics (CFD). CO emissions and NOx emissions are computed for various operating conditions of the SUE combustor using a can type and an annular type geometrical configurations. The goal of this thesis is to see if the SUE combustor is a viable alternative to conventional combustors which utilize swirlers. It is found that for the can type combustor the NOx emissions were quite low compared to other combustor types but the CO emissions were fairly high. The annular combustor shows better CO emissions compared to the can type, but the CO emissions are still high compared to other combustors. Emissions can be improved by providing better mixing in the primary combustion zone. The SUE combustor design needs to be further refined in order for it to be a viable alternative to conventional combustors with swirlers.

Studies of composite multihull structure under wave loads, extreme loads, and blast loads have been conducted using finite element and computational fluid dynamics (CPF) tools. A comprehensive finite element tool for structural analysis of composite multi-hull structures is developed. Two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) is implemented by coupling finite element analysis (FEA) and CFD. FEA models have been developed using sandwich construction having composite face sheets and a foam core. Fluid domain was modeled using the CFD code, CFX and a wave motion was simulated based on Sea State 5... In addition to hydrodynamic loads, the simulation of composite ship under extreme loads is performed. Stress analysis was performed and dynamic response of the hull was determined in time domain. In the final analysis, an underwater explosion model was developed to study the composite hull resistance to blast load.

This thesis deals with corrosion problems of underwater turbines in marine environment. The effect of a tensile stress on the uniform corrosion rate of a metal bar is studied, and an analytical model predicting the time of service of a bar under a tensile load in a corrosive environment is proposed. Stress corrosion relationships are provided for different type of alloys, and different types of relationships. Dolinskii's and Gutman's models are studied and extended to a general order polynomial, along with a Least Square and Spline Interpolation of the experimental data. In a second part, the effect of the passive film, delaying the initiation of the corrosion process, is studied. Finally, an algorithm predicting the time of service of a cracked bar is provided, using the stress corrosion assumption, along with a validation using experimental data.

The aim of this project is to identify the effect of wind on near-shore breaking waves. A breaking wave was created using a simulated beach slope configuration. Testing was done on two different beach slope configurations. The effect of offshore winds of varying speeds was considered. Waves of various frequencies and heights were considered. A parametric study was carried out. The experiments took place in the Hydrodynamics lab at FAU Boca Raton campus. The experimental data validates the knowledge we currently know about breaking waves. Offshore winds effect is known to increase the breaking height of a plunging wave, while also decreasing the breaking water depth, causing the wave to break further inland. Offshore winds cause spilling waves to react more like plunging waves, therefore increasing the height of the spilling wave while consequently decreasing the breaking water depth.

The objective of this thesis is to analyze the flow past an ocean current turbine using a finite volume Navier-Stokes CFD solver. A full 3-D RANS approach in a moving reference frame is used to model the flow. By employing periodic boundary conditions, one-third of the flow-field is analyzed and the output is replicated to other sectors. Following validation of the computation with an experimental study, the flow fields and particle paths for the case of uniform and sheared incoming flows past a generic turbine with various blade pitch angles are evaluated and analyzed. Flow field and wake expansion are visualized. Eddy viscosity effects and its dependence on flow field conditions are investigated.