• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.223-229
• /
• 2020

The present work proposes a solution to the static Boltzmann transport equation approximated by the simplified P₃ (SP₃) on angular, and the analytic coarse mesh finite difference (ACMFD) for spatial variables. Multi-group SP₃-ACMFD equations in 3D rectangular geometry are solved using the GMRES solution technique. As the core time dependent analysis necessitates the solution of an eigenvalue problem for an initial condition, this work is hence devoted to development and verification of the proposed static SP₃-ACMFD solver. A 3D multi-group static diffusion solver is also developed as a byproduct of this work to assess the improvement achieved using the SP₃ technique. Static results are then compared against transport benchmarks to assess the proximity of SP₃-ACMFD solutions to their full transport peers. Results prove that the approach can be considered as an acceptable interim approximation with outputs superior to the diffusion method, close to the transport results, and with the computational costs less than the full transport approach. The work would be further generalized to time dependent solutions in Part II.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.6
• /
• pp.2172-2194
• /
• 2023

A variational nodal method (VNM) with unstructured-mesh is presented for solving steady-state and dynamic neutron diffusion equations. Orthogonal polynomials are employed for spatial discretization, and the stiffness confinement method (SCM) is implemented for temporal discretization. Coordinate transformation relations are derived to map unstructured triangular nodes to a standard node. Methods for constructing triangular prism space trial functions and identifying unique nodes are elaborated. Additionally, the partitioned matrix (PM) and generalized partitioned matrix (GPM) methods are proposed to accelerate the within-group and power iterations. Neutron diffusion problems with different fuel assembly geometries validate the method. With less than 5 pcm eigenvalue (k_eff) error and 1% relative power error, the accuracy is comparable to reference methods. In addition, a test case based on the kilowatt heat pipe reactor, KRUSTY, is created, simulated, and evaluated to illustrate the method's precision and geometrical flexibility. The Dodds problem with a step transient perturbation proves that the SCM allows for sufficiently accurate power predictions even with a large time-step of approximately 0.1 s. In addition, combining the PM and GPM results in a speedup ratio of 2-3.

• Wind and Structures
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.57-78
• /
• 2023

In this study, a generalized three-degree-of-freedom (3-DoF) analytical model is formulated to predict linear aerodynamic instabilities of a prism under quasi-steady (QS) conditions. The prism is assumed to possess a generic cross-section exposed to turbulent wind flow. The 3-DoFs encompass two orthogonal horizontal directions and rotation about the prism body axis. Inertial coupling is considered to account for the non-coincidence of the mass center and the rotation center. The aerodynamic force coefficients-drag, lift, and moment-depend on the Reynolds number based on relative flow velocity, angle of attack, and the angle between the wind and the cable. Aerodynamic forces are linearized with respect to the static equilibrium configuration and mean wind velocity. Routh-Hurwitz and Liénard and Chipart criteria are used in the eigenvalue problem, yielding an analytical solution for instabilities in galloping and static divergence types. Additionally, the minimum structural damping and stiffness required to prevent these instabilities are numerically determined. The proposed 3-DoF instability model is subsequently applied to a conductor with ice accretion and a full-scale dry inclined cable. In comparison to existing models, the developed model demonstrates superior prediction accuracy for unstable regions compared with results in wind tunnel tests.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.671-685
• /
• 2020

This manuscript presents impacts of gradation of material functions and axial load functions on critical buckling loads and mode shapes of functionally graded (FG) thin and thick beams by using higher order shear deformation theory, for the first time. Volume fractions of metal and ceramic materials are assumed to be distributed through a beam thickness by both sigmoid law and symmetric power functions. Ceramic-metal-ceramic (CMC) and metal-ceramic-metal (MCM) symmetric distributions are proposed relative to mid-plane of the beam structure. The axial compressive load is depicted by constant, linear, and parabolic continuous functions through the axial direction. The equilibrium governing equations are derived by using Hamilton's principles. Numerical differential quadrature method (DQM) is developed to discretize the spatial domain and covert the governing variable coefficients differential equations and boundary conditions to system of algebraic equations. Algebraic equations are formed as a generalized matrix eigenvalue problem, that will be solved to get eigenvalues (buckling loads) and eigenvectors (mode shapes). The proposed model is verified with respectable published work. Numerical results depict influences of gradation function, gradation parameter, axial load function, slenderness ratio and boundary conditions on critical buckling loads and mode-shapes of FG beam structure. It is found that gradation types have different effects on the critical buckling. The proposed model can be effective in analysis and design of structure beam element subject to distributed axial compressive load, such as, spacecraft, nuclear structure, and naval structure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.509-518
• /
• 2002

In order to perform the spatial buckling and static analysis of the nonsymmetric thin-walled beam-column element, improved exact static stiffness matrices were evaluated using equilibrium equation and force-deformation relationships. This numerical technique was obtained using a generalized linear eigenvalue problem, by introducing 14 displacement parameters and system of linear algebraic equations with complex matrices. Unlike the evaluation of dynamic stiffness matrices, some zero eigenvalues were included. Thus, displacement parameters related to these zero eigenvalues were assumed as polynomials, with their exact distributions determined using the identity condition. The exact displacement functions corresponding to three loadingcases for initial stress-resultants were then derived, by consistently combining zero and nonzero eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors. Finally, exact static stiffness matrices were determined by applying member force-displacement relationships to these displacement functions. The buckling loads and displacement of thin-walled beam were evaluated and compared with analytic solutions and results using ABAQUS' shell element or straight beam element.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.463-469
• /
• 2002

The governing equation and force-displacement rotations of a beam-column element on elastic foundation we derived based on variational approach of total potential energy. An exact static and dynamic 4×4 element stiffness matrix of the beam-column element is established via a generalized lineal-eigenvalue problem by introducing 4 displacement parameters and a system of linear algebraic equations with complex matrices. The structure stiffness matrix is established by the conventional direct stiffness method. In addition the F. E. procedure is presented by using Hermitian polynomials as shape function and evaluating the corresponding elastic and geometric stiffness and the mass matrix. In order to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the beam-column element using exact dynamic stiffness matrix, buckling loads and natural frequencies are calculated for the continuous beam structures and the results are compared with F E. solutions.