OVERVIEW

Development of models for the numerical simulation of transport phenomena (mass, energy and momentum) applied to complex materials (e.g. polymers) with the aid of the computational modeling software Comsol Multiphysics.
The theoretical principles of advanced numerical simulation of problems involving the materials commonly used in the process industry and the technical skills to use a computational code for solving the models that describe them will be provided.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to: 1) develop mathematical models for fluid dynamics problems 2) acquire the theoretical principles of advanced numerical simulation of fluid dynamics problems 3) use a computational code to solve these models. At the end of the module the student will have acquired the necessary skills to set up and run a numerical simulation and analyze the results of problems involving mass, momentum and heat transport by solving the governing equations through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The software will be applied to solve various problems of interest to the process industry and, in particular, to product engineering.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the necessary skills to set up and run a numerical simulation and analyze the results of problems involving mass, momentum and heat transport by solving the government equations through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The software will be applied to solve various problems of interest to the process industry and, in particular, to product engineering.

Expected learning outcomes:
(i) ability to develop mathematical models for fluid dynamics problems
(ii) knowledge of the theoretical principles of advanced numerical simulation of fluid dynamics problems
(iii) ability to use a calculation code for the resolution of such models

Professional Profile Recommended:
Materials scientist: specialist in technology

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisite required.

TEACHING METHODS

The entire program will be carried out during the lessons.
The notes relating to each lesson will be available on AulaWeb in collections of slides prior to the lesson itself.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Theory (1 CFU)

• Mass, energy and momentum balance equations. Constitutive equation for Newtonian fluids. Navier-Stokes equations.
• Boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes equations and for the energy balance equations.
• Set-up of a numerical simulation. Convergence of the calculation grid. Adequacy of the computing domain. Stationary and transient simulations. Analysis of the results.
• Non-Newtonian fluids. Generalities and phenomenology. Constitutive equations for generalized, viscoplastic and viscoelastic Newtonian fluids. Numerical simulation of generalized, viscoplastic and viscoelastic Newtonian fluids.
• Simulation of the rheology of suspensions and composite materials.

Practice (3 CFU)

• Introduction to computational fluid dynamics codes. Lab exercises for the use of the COMSOL Multiphysics software.
• Definition and development of case geometry and mesh.
• Simulation set-up. Definition of parameters and boundary conditions. Resolution of the balance equations and post-processing of the results.
• Development of models for the numerical simulation of transport phenomena:
  • steady and transient flows, isothermal or not, laminar and turbulent.
  • diluted and concentrated solutions with chemical reaction (convection-diffusion-reaction equation).
  • generalized Newtonian fluids, viscoplastic and viscoelastic fluids.
  • fluid dynamics of the suspensions. Tracking of particles.
  • rheology of composite materials.

The teaching contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda:

Goal 4: Provide quality, equitable and inclusive education and learning opportunities for all
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and emancipate all women and girls

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Notes of the lessons.

R.B. Bird, W.E. Stewart, E.N. Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena, Wiley, 2002

User's guide di COMSOL Multiphysics.

Material available on https://www.cfd-online.com

Supplementary material will be provided on request to working students or students with SLD to meet specific needs.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons of the second semester will start on 24/2/2025 and will end on 06/6/2025, with the interruptions foreseen by the didactic calendar of the School of Sciences.

BEING IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE NOW A DEFINITIVE LESSON SCHEDULE, AND IN VIEW OF ANY EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES CONCERNING DIDACTICAL ACTIVITY EMOTED BY THE UNIVERSITY, STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO FREQUENTLY VISIT THE WEB SITES https://corsi.unige.it/9020/p/studenti-orario AND https://chimica.unige.it/node/390 TO BE UPDATED ON THIS TOPICS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Periodic learning checks - Final oral exam.
The oral exam will consist of a series of questions and subsequent discussion on the resolution of a case study previously assigned to the student, in order to evaluate the correct achievement of the learning outcomes (see "assessment methods").
Further information will be provided during the course (during the first lesson, and subsequently at the request of the student).

For students with disabilities or with SLD, the examination methods are consistent with the University regulations for carrying out the exams (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The attendance of the lessons constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for the achievement of the learning outcomes of the teaching.
The discussion on the resolution of the assigned case study will allow the verification of the actual achievement of these outcomes.
At the same time, the student's critical reasoning skills and his ability to answer specific questions in a clear and direct way will be assessed.
In particular, the student's ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in response to realistic scenarios or to solve simple problems will also be positively evaluated.
If the learning outcomes are not achieved, the student will be invited to deepen the study and to make use of further explanations by the teacher.