University of Northern Iowa, Physics, Cedar Falls, IA 50614
When fluids flow through objects having rough surfaces, interesting aspects of the dynamics of flow may become apparent. Such systems are normally not well suited for analytical modeling, and computer simulations of classical particle flow require a particle contact algorithm. A material point method (MPM) computer simulation is developed which is utilized to study the dynamics of fluid flow through pipes having sharp or irregular boundaries and obstacles. The MPM algorithm is particularly useful because no contact algorithm is needed. Results are discussed for varying boundary and object geometries, and applications to fluids of different densities are discussed, including air and water.
[Abstract (DOC)]