LACàN

 

 

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Key words

  • Numerical simulation
  • Validation and verification
  • Multiscale and multi-physics simulation
  • Nuclear structures and containers
  • Fluid-structure interaction
  • High-order simulation
  • Mesh generation

Laboratory of Computational Methods and Numerical Analysis

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General description of the activity

During the last decade, the research group LaCàN (Laboratori de Càlcul Numèric) has developed an intensive activity in the field of numerical simulation in applied sciences and engineering. The current upstream research activity of the group can be classified into the following topics:

 
  • Computational Mechanics: Numerical methods for boundary value problems, absorbing boundary conditions, incompressibility, damage models, microstructures, dynamic fracture, vibroacoustics …
  • Validation and Verification: error estimation, adaptive modeling, certificates …
  • Mesh generation, pre and post-processing …
 
All these numerical techniques have been applied to a number of different engineering problems. The LaCàN research activity include also tailored modeling solutions, studying particular simulation needs and carrying out the complete simulation loop, from the physical model that accounts for the relevant phenomena, to the selection of the most adequate numerical strategy and the computational solution including pre and post-processing and quality analysis. We have proven expertise in providing simulation solutions to different industrial sectors: automotive, steel construction, nuclear industry, gas suppliers… 

Specific areas of research energy field

Energy storage: multiscale and multi-physics simulation

The performance and durability of fuel cells and rechargeable batteries is driven by its complex electro-chemo-thermo-mechanical behavior. This requires accounting for microscopical phenomena, such as the motion of ions and defects, at larger scales, coupled with large volume and in some instances temperature changes. Fatigue and fracture often hinder the reliability of these devices. We propose a research task on the multiscale and multi-physics modeling and simulation of the mechanics of energy storage. 
 
Nuclear energy: numerical simulation for nuclear power plant structures and waste containers
Crack opening is a key parameter to estimate the durability of nuclear concrete structures. Cracks are preferential paths along which fluids or corrosive chemical species may penetrate inside concrete structural elements. For structures such as confinement vessels or nuclear waste container, tightness to gas or liquids is a major serviceability criterion. We propose a research on the numerical simulation, ensuring a prescribed accuracy, of the thermo-mechanical behavior including chemical kinetics of structural elements of NPP and waste containers.
 
Offshore wind and wave energy: simulation and prediction of wind and wave fields, performance monitoring with CFD and Fluid-Structure Interaction.
Offshore farms are of great interest from the energetic point of view (the average wind speed is usually considerably higher over open water) and from the environmental point of view (they are less obtrusive than turbines on land). We propose a research on fluid-structure interaction applied to the design of wind turbines blades and to the interaction between the see currents and the structure of the offshore wind turbine.