Gene Hou

Bio: Gene Hou is an academic researcher from Old Dominion University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sensitivity (control systems) & Finite element method. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 93 publications receiving 1813 citations. Previous affiliations of Gene Hou include Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility & Langley Research Center.

Numerical Methods for Fluid-Structure Interaction — A Review

Abstract: The interactions between incompressible fluid flows and immersed struc- tures are nonlinear multi-physics phenomena that have applications to a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines In this article, we review representative numeri- cal methods based onconforming and non-conforming meshes that arecurrentlyavail- able for computing fluid-structure interaction problems, with an emphasis on some of the recent developments in the field A goal is to categorize the selected methods and assess their accuracy and efficiency We discuss challenges faced by researchers in this field, and we emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary effort for advancing the study in fluid-structure interactions

Overview of Sensitivity Analysis and Shape Optimization for Complex Aerodynamic Configurations

Abstract: This paper presents a brief overview of some of the more recent advances in steady aerodynamic shape-design sensitivity analysis and optimization, based on advanced computational fluid dynamics. The focus here is on those methods particularly well- suited to the study of geometrically complex configurations and their potentially complex associated flow physics. When nonlinear state equations are considered in the optimization process, difficulties are found in the application of sensitivity analysis. Some techniques for circumventing such difficulties are currently being explored and are included here. Attention is directed to methods that utilize automatic differentiation to obtain aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for both complex configurations and complex flow physics. Various examples of shape-design sensitivity analysis for unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics algorithms are demonstrated for different formulations of the sensitivity equations. Finally, the use of advanced, unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics in multidisciplinary analyses and multidisciplinary sensitivity analyses within future optimization processes is recommended and encouraged.

Effect of random geometric uncertainty on the computational design of a 3-d flexible wing

Abstract: The effect of geometric uncertainty due to statistically independent, random, normally distributed shape parameters is demonstrated in the computational design of a 3-D flexible wing. A first-order second-moment statistical approximation method is used to propagate the assumed input uncertainty through coupled Euler CFD aerodynamic / finite element structural codes for both analysis and sensitivity analysis. First-order sensitivity derivatives obtained by automatic differentiation are used in the input uncertainty propagation. These propagated uncertainties are then used to perform a robust design of a simple 3-D flexible wing at supercritical flow conditions. The effect of the random input uncertainties is shown by comparison with conventional deterministic design results. Sample results are shown for wing planform, airfoil section, and structural sizing variables.

An Introduction to the Adjoint Approach to Design

Abstract: Optimal design methods involving the solution of an adjoint system of equations are an active area of research in computational fluid dynamics, particularly for aeronautical applications. This paper presents an introduction to the subject, emphasising the simplicity of the ideas when viewed in the context of linear algebra. Detailed discussions also include the extension to p.d.e.'s, the construction of the adjoint p.d.e. and its boundary conditions, and the physical significance of the adjoint solution. The paper concludes with examples of the use of adjoint methods for optimising the design of business jets.

A Ghost-Cell Immersed Boundary Method for Flow in Complex Geometry

Abstract: An efficient ghost-cell immersed boundary method (GCIBM) for simulating turbulent flows in complex geometries is presented. A boundary condition is enforced through a ghost cell method. The reconstruction procedure allows systematic development of numerical schemes for treating the immersed boundary while preserving the overall second-order accuracy of the base solver. Both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions can be treated. The current ghost cell treatment is both suitable for staggered and non-staggered Cartesian grids. The accuracy of the current method is validated using flow past a circular cylinder and large eddy simulation of turbulent flow over a wavy surface. Numerical results are compared with experimental data and boundary-fitted grid results. The method is further extended to an existing ocean model (MITGCM) to simulate geophysical flow over a three-dimensional bump. The method is easily implemented as evidenced by our use of several existing codes.