Fluid Dynamics Lab at University of Minnesota
Facility Overview
Our Fluid Dynamics lab uses a self-developed, high-fidelity Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) code to solve the Navier-Stokes equations. We offer options for large-eddy simulation (LES), adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), particle-laden flows using the Lagrangian-Eulerian approach, two-phase simulations with the coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method, and fluid-structure interactions using the Immersed Boundary (IB) method. We have also ventured into using machine learning and quantum computing for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
The CLSVOF method enables highly accurate and high-resolution wind-water simulations that can visualize wind wave generation on large scales as well as resolve wave breaking and bubble formation on small scales. An accurate wind-water interface is important for any surface or near-surface marine energy simulation.
The IB method allows for the simulation of rigid and flexible bodies of almost any shape on various types of grid structures. It allows the application of both diffused and discrete IB methods. The diffused IB is capable of solving for filaments and flexible shells, in addition to rigid bodies. Multiple immersed bodies can be solved in the same domain. With our permanent access to lightning-fast supercomputers, we can conduct accurate, high-fidelity simulations quickly. Almost any marine energy experiment, at any scale, can be simulated in our lab. If there is a new feature or technique needed to simulate something, our capable team of researchers can add it to the code.
