Computational Fluid Dynamics - A Steppingstone of MULTIPHYSICS

Abstract

The fluids have been around us for as far as we know and it enabled us to cross the oceans, ride the winds, shortens the distances, and much more. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has extended our understanding of fluids. Until today, the analytical solution of fundamental equations of fluid mechanics is a million-dollar award (referred to Clay Mathematics Institute). As engineers, let's leave that to mathematicians to claim but that does not mean that we cannot enjoy the power offered by these equations. Smart numerical techniques developed over years such as discretization and time-stepping methods have enabled us to solve them with the help of computers. With the increase of computing power, CFD applications are ever-growing, and literally and figuratively, sky is the limit. Keynote address walks through the evolution of CFD and discusses the historical researchers who contributed to its development. Next, the word of caution concerning numerical modelling and the topic of colourful fluid dynamics is discussed. In relatively recent times, CFD is being solved coupled with other physical equations, e.g., thermal conduction (heat equation), electromagnetics (Maxwell's equations), structures (Hooke's law), and more. This has given birth to a new field known as MULTIPHYISCS. This emerging field of science and engineering can be imagined as the coupled mathematical world, where many overlapping and interactive problems of physics are being solved on the fundamental level. The keynote address begins with the introduction of the speaker, few personal life experiences, and mainly focuses on evolution and inspiring examples from speaker’s past work that enlighten the application of CFD as a steppingstone of MULTIPHYSICS. The examples are: micro-fluidic valve, a collaborative project of NUST and CALTECH; CFDDEM simulations of two phase flow in fluidised beds, a collaborative project of CAMBRIDGE and ETH ZURICH; multiphysics investigation of composite shell structures subjected to water shock wave impact in petroleum industry, funded by Norwegian Research Council and in collaboration with LILLE University; applied investigation of viscosity-density fluid sensors based on torsional resonators, partially funded by Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency and in collaboration with RHEONICS GmbH and ZHAW; to determine the sensation of ‘cold’ via conjugate heat transfer, a collaborative project with WINDTECH AS.