Numerical Methods in Energy Sciences

Description

The student learns the mathematical principles linked to numerical methods used to model, analyze and solve energy problems, paying particular attention to mechanical and electromagnetic engineering problems. Starting from different governing equations in the energy science domain (in particular mechanics and electromagnetics), the student recognizes the structure and common elements which lead to the formulation of a set of generic numerical discretization schemes. He/she can argue suitable choices for the formulation of partial differential equations and boundary conditions. The student is able to describe, explain and use different discretization techniques, namely: Finite differences (FD); Finite volumes (FV); Finite elements (FE). Moreover he/she can perform a critical analysis of these discretisation methods in terms of accuracy, stability and convergence. The student understands and can discuss the potential and limitations of methods for numerical analysis. The student is able to give an overview of Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques for the simulation of turbulence flows; Computational electromagnetic (EM) techniques for the simulation of electromagnetic problems. From the practical point of view, the student is able to Implement the numerical discretization of simple 1D and 2D problems in fluid dynamics and electromagnetism, simulate and analyse them. Evaluate, choose and use specific software packages (either commercial or open source), based on e.g. FV for CFD or FE for EM, to handle real-live applications. He/she understands the possible choices and approximations available in this kind of software. Analyze and assess the reliability of his own results. At the end of the course the student will also have a general knowledge of modelling, simulation and design techniques in fluid dynamics and electromagnetism.