Numerical Modelling of Thermal Systems

Code:

EM0118

Acronym:

MNST

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Heat Transfer and Fluid

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Fluids and Energy Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Mechanical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEM	40	Syllabus since 2006/2007	5	-	6	45,5	162

Teaching language

English

Objectives

Thermal engineers make an increasing use of modelling and computational tools to predict system behaviour and performance. A solid knowledge of those tools is required for design engineers.

SPECIFIC AIMS To develop the knowledge to model thermal systems and processes, including the mathematical representation of their components and the numerical solution of the resulting set of equations, through the use of computer algorithms. Finite differences and finite volumes methods are introduced for tackling problems involving the solution of partial differential equations, in particular for the field of heat transfer and fluid mechanics. Optimisation methods and algorithms are also discussed.

PERCENT DISTRIBUTION Scientific component:50% Technological component:50%

Learning outcomes and competences

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Knowledge and Understanding: capability of making valid simplifying assumptions in order to define and to construct a mathematical model of a thermal system; selecting the most adequate type of model for each system; knowing alternative algorithms for obtaining the solution for a given problem with thier strength and limitations.
- Engineering analysis of thermal systems : To have the skills of using numerical models as an engineering design tool.
-Investigations: Use of modelling techniques in new practical computational projects.
-Transferable skills- The knowledge of numerical solution of equations and systems of equations (algebraic and differential) using computational tools; knowledge of optimisation techniques.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Conclusion and knowledge of basic courses on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer is are strongly recommended (but not obligatory).

Program

1) INTRODUCTION: the role of simulation in the engineering design of thermal systems; types of mathematical  models; the importance of the course in the engineering framework.
2) CURVE FITTING: numerical interpolation (Newton e Lagrange) and regression methods (one and multi variable); applicationsthese methods to thermal equipment using computer software.
3) GLOBAL MODELLING OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS UNDER STEADY-STATE: numerical solution of non-linear and systems of non-linear equations with bracketing and open methods; their applications to heating/cooling systems, power cycles, etc.
4) ITRODUCTION TO THE EES SOFTWARE: capabilities and graphical user interface
5) GLOBAL MODELLING OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS UNDER DYNAMIC CONDITIONS: definition of systems inder dynamic conditions, numerical methods for integrating ordinary differential equations (ODE) and systems of equations using Euler and Runge-Kutta methods; numerical integration using the EES software; applications to systems with thermal storage, mass storage, etc.
6) MODELLING BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS: partial differential equations of transport and its generic representation; discretisation methods (finite differences and finite volumes); applications to systems with one- and multi-dimensional unsteady heat conduction; applications to non-viscous flows.
7) INTRODUCTION TO OPTIMIZATION: one- and multi-dimensional search methods; method of Lagrange multipliers (without and with restrictions); linear programing; geometric programing; optimisation algorithms; applications to fluid flow and thermal systems.

Mandatory literature

Stoecker, Wilbert F.; Design of thermal systems. ISBN: 0-07-100610-9
Jaluria, Yogesh; Design and optimization of thermal systems. ISBN: 0-07-032388-7
Patankar, Suhas V.; Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. ISBN: 0-07-048740-5
Chapra, Steven C. e Canale, Raymond P.; Numerical methods for engineers : with software and programming applications, McGraw Hill, 2002. ISBN: 0-07-112180-3

Complementary Bibliography

EES Software Manual
Amos Gilat; MATLAB - an Introduction with Applications

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course is structured in theoretical (2 hours/week) and tutorial (1.5 hours/week) classes. In theoretical classes the theory is presented from and algorithm point of view and the solution of some typical problems are addressed. In tutorial classes examples are solved using by computer means. Guidance to the development of computational projects (groups of 3 students) are also provided.

Software

EES - Engineering Equation Solver

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	65,00
Trabalho escrito	35,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	50,00
Estudo autónomo	63,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Not to exceed the maximum number of absences to classes (25%) and deliver the reports of computational projects.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification is the weighted average of the exam classification (65%) and the classification of the computational projects (35%).

Examinations or Special Assignments

Oral and practical computation examination, consisting in the use of EES software to solve practical problems.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Written examination, with a duration of 2 hours, and specific evaluation test

Classification improvement

Only possible for the final exam.