Uncertainty and errors in cfd simulation

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Uncertainty and errors in cfd simulation
Uncertainty is defined as a potential deficiency in any activity or phase of the modelling process that is due to the
lack of knowledge.
[1]
Error is defined as a recognizable deficiency in any phase or activity of modelling and
simulation that is not due to lack of knowledge. It is important to differentiate error and uncertainty, therefore these
definitions entails that uncertainty is stochastic or non-deterministic whereas error is deterministic. In elementary
terms, if a simulation is run twice while containing an error then it is likely to develop same answer (exceptions can
be seen). But, when a simulation is run twice containing an uncertainty than it will develop different answer each
time, taking an assumption that the uncertainty is not replaced by mean value and is modeled as an uncertain
quantity. Errors are subjected to be identified and corrected if it is provided with enough time and money.
Classification of errors
Errors are classified in two categories: Acknowledge error and unacknowledged error.
1. Acknowledged errors are those errors which can be determined before the simulation by the analyst. There errors
occur due to complexity of the problem and cost constraint, therefore they cannot be solved for that particular
job.".
[2]
2. 2. These are various types of acknowledged errors:
1. Physical approximation and Geometry error
2. 2. Computer round-off error
3. 3. Iterative convergence error
4. Spatial and Temporal Discretization error
2.Unacknowledged error are error which are incognizant by the analyst but can be spotted. If we apply rigorous
methods for identifying the errors such as double examination than such errors can be discovered. Mistakes and
blunders also come under this type of error. But there are two specific types of unacknowledged error: computer
programming error and usage error
Physical Modelling Errors
These errors are due to uncertainty in the formulation of the model which arises from mathematical model form
assumptions, boundary conditions, initial conditions and data input to a code, these datas are rarely or if at all
exactly known. The other source is due to simplification made to the analysis which is deliberately done due to the
constraints of economy, an assumption that the effect of such simplification on the results are small enough to be
considered. For example using a simple radiation model, modelling a viscous flow as inviscid, using wall functions
instead of a fine mesh near the walls or using a steady solver to simulate unsteady flow.
[3]
Discretization Errors
These errors are defined as the difference between the exact solution to the discrete equations and analytical solution
to the PDEs. These errors occur from the representation of the governing flow equations and other physical models
as algebraic expressions in a discrete domain of space and time. This discrete domain of space is termed as grid or
mesh. It constitute two different types of errors.
[4]
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1. 1. Spatial and temporal discretisation of the flow domain
2. Truncation error is the difference between the partial differential equation (PDE) and the finite equation. The
accuracy is dependent on the truncated term of the Taylors series, if the lowest-order term that is truncated is a
first-order term (i.e. includes x) then it this method is called as first-order accurate. Similarly for other higher
order terms, and therefore higher order accurate method are more accurate and acceptable.
Uncertainty and errors in cfd simulation
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This type of error arises in all numerical methods therefore discretization error is also termed as numerical errors. It
is related to the approximate representation of a parameter which varies continuously in space by some polynomial
function for the variation across a mesh cell. A consistent numerical method will advance the continuum
representation of the equations and will tend to zero discretization error as the number of grid points increases and
the size of the grid spacing tends to zero. On refining the mesh the solution start becoming less sensitive to the grid
spacing and advance the continuum solution which is termed as grid convergence.
Programming Errors
These errors are "bugs" and mistakes made in programming or writing the code. These type of errors are detected by
systematically executing verification studies of each program of the code and the entire code, reviewing the lines of
code, and performing validation studies of the code. These can be minimized.
Computer Round-Off Errors
When exact solution cannot be extracted from the discrete equations then such error occurs. They arise from
precision floating-point numbers which can only represent discrete points on the real number line. As computer
stores information by taking discrete points and therefore no continuous information is approached by it and
information between two discrete points is unannounced, therefore to minimize the error there should be minimum
difference between two discrete points which will also lead in huge memory usage. These errors are unimportant but
sometimes they cause major inaccuracy or may prevent convergence. They can be minimized by double precision
method.
Iterative Convergence Errors
If an iteration is converging than the difference between the final solution and the current solution after n iterations
will reduce on account of increase in number of iterations. Practically, the slow computing power and time
consuming iterations are generally truncated close to the final solution and this generates a contribution to the
numerical error in the solution.
Classification of Uncertainty
Uncertainty can be classified as:
1. 1. Aleatory uncertainty which cannot be predicted easily because of the physical variation occurring in the system
and due to lack of cognition but it can be minimized.
2. 2. Epistemic uncertainty that comes under the knowledge, if we have sufficient knowledge about the system than
these uncertainties can be predicted and therefore can be reduced easily.
Sources of uncertainties in Computational fluid dynamics(Cfd)
There are two types of uncertainty involved in CFD analysis:
1.Input Uncertainty When inaccuracies arises due to limited information or approximate representation of
geometry, boundary conditions, material properties etc. It is attached with the differences between real flow and the
problem definition within a CFD model. Data are available through-
a)Domain geometry- It includes specification of the shape and size of the region of concern. Starting with the CAD
model, as it is impossible to create any component absolutely to its design specification, which create differences
between the designed and manufactured component. Then, while converting any CAD model to the suitable CFD
model direct to more differences between above mentioned. Similarly other geometry or unachievable constraints
lead to different macroscopic and microscopic geometry than the real model.
b)Boundary condition- It is impossible to acquire high degree of accuracy to the input boundary conditions such as
Uncertainty and errors in cfd simulation
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temperature, velocity etc. which leads to uncertainty. Most of the time boundary conditions are assumed which can
be approximately true. There should be a compatibility between the flow information and applied boundary
conditions.
c)Fluid properties- As it is known that all fluid properties depend on temperature and pressure. But most of the time
it is assumed that fluid property are constant, however it reduces the time to converge but introduces error if such
assumption is not accurate. Due to experimental uncertainty errors will be introduced if fluid properties are allowed
to vary as functions of flow parameters.
2.Physical model uncertainty- When there are differences between real flows and CFD due to inadequate
representation of physical or chemical processes or via simplifying assumptions in the modelling process. a)Limited
accuracy of sub-models - Semi-empirical sub-models gives a clear understanding of complex flow processes such as
turbulence, combustion etc. Data is extrapolated beyond the range while applying sub-models to turbulence flow.
This introduces uncertainty because such complex processes are unforeseen and new and in deficiency of a better
option one has to work with less advanced method which are less accurate. Sometimes, selection of simpler model is
done to avoid complex computation and to save time.
b)Limited accuracy of simplifying assumptions - While CFD modelling such as deciding between adiabatic and heat
transfer across the boundaries, steady and transient, simplification is observable and also justifiable if it is subjected
to optimum accuracy. But when the differences between the two models is larger than uncertainty will increase. Also
when model simplification on geometrical symmetry is done, it will be inaccurate if symmetry at inlet flow are not
same. The closeness and exactness of all simplifying assumptions contribute to the extent of physical model
uncertainty.
References
[1] [1] AIAA, "Guide for the Verification and Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations," AIAA G-077-1998, 1998
[2] Uncertainty Analysis of Computational Fluid Dynamics Via Polynomial Chaos, Rafael A. Perez, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University
[3] [3] William L. Oberkampf and Frederick G. Blottner. Issues in computational fluid dynamics code verification and validation. AIAA Journal,
36(5):687{695, May 1998
[4] [4] Patrick J. Roache. Quantification of uncertainty in computational fluid dynamics. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 29:123{160, 1997
Article Sources and Contributors
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Article Sources and Contributors
Uncertainty and errors in cfd simulation Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=585768285 Contributors: Ankushsingla91, Bearcat, Bgwhite, Gregbard, Jamesmcmahon0,
Lockley, Prj1991, 1 anonymous edits
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