DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

BOLTON STREET, DUBLIN 1

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS) IN

BUILDING SERVICES

FOURTH YEAR: MAY 2008

SEMESTER 2

John Turner B.E., M.ENG. Sc., M.I.E.I.

Dr. Ben Costelloe
Micheal 0 Flaherty (Section A)
Patrick Wulliamoz (Section B)
Dr Michael Crowley (Section C)

Given:
Thermodynamic Tables
Mathematical Tables
Graph Paper

Q1

Section A: Computational Fluid Dynamics

An insulated pipe is filled with gas. Heat is transported along the pipe by means of
convection and diffusion. The temperatures at either end are, T0=100C and
TL=50C at x=L. Using the central differencing scheme derive a set of finite
volume equations for the temperature at each node (1-5) along the pipe, given the
following:

a)

Governing equation: apuT = k a T

ax

ax

L= 1m
Velocity, u = O.lm/s
ox = 0.2m
Conductivityk (a.k.a. r) = 0.1 W/m.K
p = 1 kg/m3 (16 marks)
To~100C

T L~50C

~'l:~=Y
2

To=100CI

~I.

Q2

'JTt;;~~':li7;;:iq
8x

I.

8x

1 .

L!L=50C
8xl2~

b)

If the velocity were changed to 3m/s what would need to be changed in the above
formulation and why?(4 marks)

a)

Given that the x and y momentum equations are:

x-

aT +--aTxy
Momentum -apu + v.(pu V ) = -- ap + ---..E...

Y-Momentum

at

apv
(
-+V.pvV
at

ax

ap
By

=--+--+--

ax

aTxy
ax

By

aTyy
ay

Tx =JL(av + au), T =_3..JL(au + aV)+2JLBv

.Y
ax ay
yy
3
ax By
ay
2 V.V+2JL- au T =--JL
2 (au
T =--JL
-+xx
3
ax'YY
3
ax

av) +2JL-av
ay
ay

Also steady continuity equation: apu + apv = 0

ax
By

Derive the flow equation for the flow of a liquid between parallel plates one of
which is stationary and the other moving parallel to the plate direction, i.e. the socalled Couette flow. State all assumptions clearly. (14 marks)

Q3

b)

Express the Couette flow equation as a difference equation in explicit form. (6

marks)

a)

Using a Taylor series expansion derive second order central difference expressions
for

') -au

ii)
b)
c)

ax

a2~

ax

(10 marks)

Describe briefly (200 words) implicit and explicit solution techniques discussing
the advantages and disadvantages of each. (6 marks)
Name two commonly used turbulence models and list the advantages and
disadvantages of each (4 marks)

Question 4.
Describe in detail the main stages of setting up and solving a problem involving a
plane truss,
using a direct solution method. Your answer should cover:
(1) Derivation of the element stiffness matrix. (6 marks)
(2) Assembly of system matrices. (5 marks)
(3) Handling of nodal position constraints. (5 marks)
(4) Computation of stresses and reaction forces. (4 marks)

Question 5.
Consider the Hermitian interpolation over a linear element of length L:
qJ = a\ + a2x + a3x2 + a4x3 Eqn 5.1

Boundary conditions are specified as:

qJ = qJ\ and
~~ = 8\
qJ

= qJ2

and

~~ = 82

at
at

=0
x =L

(a) Apply the boundary conditions above to Eqn 5.1 and show
qJ= [X]{a} Eqn. 5.2
For the boundary conditions shown above. (9 marks)
(b) What steps are required to get the shape function matrix [N] for the linear element
shown above? Detail the steps required. A detailed derivation is not required. (5
marks)
(c) What advantage does Hermitian interpolation offer over other interpolation
schemes such as Lagrangian interpolation? In your answer give an example of a use
of Hermitian interpolation in a Finite Element and the effect of the interpolation
method on the results obtained from that element when compared to Lagrangian. (6
marks)

(a) Discuss the concept of Bandwidth in relation to the stiffness matrix [K] in the
finite element equation {f}=[K]{u}.
In your answer:
Define what Bandwidth is.
State why it is important to reduce the bandwidth of the stiffness Matrix.
Describe a simple example which illustrates the concept of bandwidth and
how it can be reduced. (10 marks)
(b) Define what Natural Coordinates are in the context of finite elements. Give one
example of each for one and two dimensional elements. (5 marks)

(c) What are the fundamental properties which distinguishes an Iso-parametric

element from any other type? What advantages do these properties bring to there
use in finite element analysis? (5 marks)

7.

(a) What is meant by quadratic convergence (for an iterative method)? Explain how it leads to a doubling
of the number of accurate digits per iteration
(6 marks)
(b) Write down, explain and justify stopping criteria for (i) functional iteration and (ii) Newton iteration.
Are there potential problems with these criteria? If so, descnbe them and suggest a possible alternative.
(14 marks)

8.

A comer formed by the (right-angled) intersection of two 200mm thick external concrete walls is to be
investigated for the occurrence of condensation. A steady state temperature profile through the comer is
necessary for this task (though not required here).
It is proposed to estimate this by solving finite-difference equations at node points located on the inside and
outside surfaces and along the centre-lines of the walls. It can be assumed (i) that Ax = Ay for the nodal
network, (ii) that heat flow through the comer is two-dimensional and (iii) that heat flow is purely onedimensional at points 500mm or more from the external comer.
(a) What is the minimum number of nodes required to estimate the temperature profile in the
neighbourhood of the comer?
(4 marks)

9.

(a) Figure Q9 shows a duct system and a fan which draws in air at atmospheric pressure. The air is
discharged into three rooms which are also at atmospheric pressure. Assume that the pressure developed by
the fan is a known function of volume flow rate, i.e. P = f(Q), and that the flow in the ducts is turbulent.
Construct a steady-state mathematical model for the system and justify it by reference to known physical
laws. A solution is not required.
(10 marks)
(b) A manually operated volume control damper is to be installed in duct number 4. Derive a suitable
modelling equation for this damper relating damper resistance to the angular position of the spindle. Show
how the equation should be correctly integrated into the steady-state model above.
(10 marks)

Atmos.
Press.

Atmos.
Press.

Figure Q9