Lisandro Dalcin

PetIGA-MF: A multi-field high-performance toolbox for structure-preserving B-splines spaces

Abstract We describe a high-performance solution framework for isogeometric discrete differential forms based on B-splines: PetIGA-MF. Built on top of PetIGA, an open-source library we have built and developed over the last decade, PetIGA-MF is a general multi-field discretization tool. To test the capabilities of our implementation, we solve different viscous flow problems such as Darcy, Stokes, Brinkman, and Navier–Stokes equations. Several convergence benchmarks based on manufactured solutions are presented assuring optimal convergence rates of the approximations, showing the accuracy and robustness of our solver.

Coupling Navier-stokes and Cahn-hilliard Equations in a Two-dimensional Annular flow Configuration☆

Abstract In this work, we present a novel isogeometric analysis discretization for the Navier-Stokes- Cahn-Hilliard equation, which uses divergence-conforming spaces. Basis functions generated with this method can have higher-order continuity, and allow to directly discretize the higher- order operators present in the equation. The discretization is implemented in PetIGA-MF, a high-performance framework for discrete differential forms. We present solutions in a two- dimensional annulus, and model spinodal decomposition under shear flow.

Performance evaluation of block-diagonal preconditioners for the divergence-conforming B-Spline discretization of the Stokes system

Abstract The recently introduced divergence-conforming B-spline discretizations allow the construction of smooth discrete velocity–pressure pairs for viscous incompressible flows that are at the same time inf-sup stable and pointwise divergence-free. When applied to discretized Stokes equations, these spaces generate a symmetric and indefinite saddle-point linear system. Krylov subspace methods are usually the most efficient procedures to solve such systems. One of such methods, for symmetric systems, is the Minimum Residual Method (MINRES). However, the efficiency and robustness of Krylov subspace methods is closely tied to appropriate preconditioning strategies. For the discrete Stokes system, in particular, block-diagonal strategies provide efficient preconditioners. In this article, we compare the performance of block-diagonal preconditioners for several block choices. We verify how the eigenvalue clustering promoted by the preconditioning strategies affects MINRES convergence. We also compare the number of iterations and wall-clock timings. We conclude that among the building blocks we tested, the strategy with relaxed inner conjugate gradients preconditioned with incomplete Cholesky provided the best results.

Energy exchange analysis in droplet dynamics via the Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard model

We develop the energy budget equation of the coupled Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard (NSCH) system. We use the NSCH equations to model the dynamics of liquid droplets in a liquid continuum. Buoyancy effects are accounted for through the Boussinesq assumption. We physically interpret each quantity involved in the energy exchange to further insight into the model. Highly resolved simulations involving density-driven flows and merging of droplets allow us to analyze these energy budgets. In particular, we focus on the energy exchanges when droplets merge, and describe flow features relevant to this phenomenon. By comparing our numerical simulations to analytical predictions and experimental results available in the literature, we conclude that modeling droplet dynamics within the framework of NSCH equations is a sensible approach worth further research.

Dynamics with Matrices Possessing Kronecker Product Structure.

Abstract In this paper we present an application of Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) algorithm for solution of non-stationary PDE-s using isogeometric finite element method. We show that ADI algorithm has a linear computational cost at every time step. We illustrate this approach by solving two example non-stationary three-dimensional problems using explicit Euler and Newmark time-stepping scheme: heat equation and linear elasticity equations for a cube. The stability of the simulation is controlled by monitoring the energy of the solution.

Impact of element-level static condensation on iterative solver performance

This paper provides theoretical estimates that quantify and clarify the savings associated to the use of element-level static condensation as a first step of an iterative solver. These estimates are verified numerically. The numerical evidence shows that static condensation at the element level is beneficial for higher-order methods. For lower-order methods or when the number of iterations required for convergence is low, the setup cost of the elimination as well as its implementation may offset the benefits obtained during the iteration process. However, as the iteration count (e.g., above?50) or the polynomial order (e.g., above cubics) grows, the benefits of element-level static condensation are significant.

Solving nonlinear, High-order partial differential equations using a high-performance isogeometric analysis framework

In this paper we present PetIGA, a high-performance implementation of Isogeometric Analysis built on top of PETSc. We show its use in solving nonlinear and time-dependent problems, such as phase-field models, by taking advantage of the high-continuity of the basis functions granted by the isogeometric framework. In this work, we focus on the Cahn-Hilliard equation and the phase-field crystal equation.

Modeling Phase-transitions Using a High-performance, Isogeometric Analysis Framework☆

Abstract In this paper, we present a high-performance framework for solving partial differential equations using Isogeometric Analysis, called PetIGA, and show how it can be used to solve phase-field problems. We specifically chose the Cahn-Hilliard equation, and the phase-field crystal equation as test cases. These two models allow us to highlight some of the main advantages that we have access to while using PetIGA for scientific computing.

A new time integration scheme for Cahn-Hilliard equations

In this paper we present a new integration scheme that can be applied to solving difficult non-stationary non-linear problems. It is obtained by a successive linearization of the Crank-Nicolson scheme, that is unconditionally stable, but requires solving non-linear equation at each time step. We applied our linearized scheme for the time integration of the challenging Cahn-Hilliard equation, modeling the phase separation in fluids. At each time step the resulting variational equation is solved using higher-order isogeometric finite element method, with B- spline basis functions. The method was implemented in the PETIGA framework interfaced via the PETSc toolkit. The GMRES iterative solver was utilized for the solution of a resulting linear system at every time step. We also apply a simple adaptivity rule, which increases the time step size when the number of GMRES iterations is lower than 30. We compared our method with a non-linear, two stage predictor-multicorrector scheme, utilizing a sophisticated step length adaptivity. We controlled the stability of our simulations by monitoring the Ginzburg-Landau free energy functional. The proposed integration scheme outperforms the two-stage competitor in terms of the execution time, at the same time having a similar evolution of the free energy functional.

Micropolar Fluids Using B-spline Divergence Conforming Spaces☆

Abstract We discretized the two-dimensional linear momentum, microrotation, energy and mass conservation equations from micropolar fluids theory, with the finite element method, creating divergence conforming spaces based on B-spline basis functions to obtain pointwise divergence free solutions [8]. Weak boundary conditions were imposed using Nitsches method for tangential conditions, while normal conditions were imposed strongly. Once the exact mass conservation was provided by the divergence free formulation, we focused on evaluating the differences between micropolar fluids and conventional fluids, to show the advantages of using the micropolar fluid model to capture the features of complex fluids. A square and an arc heat driven cavities were solved as test cases. A variation of the parameters of the model, along with the variation of Rayleigh number were performed for a better understanding of the system. The divergence free formulation was used to guarantee an accurate solution of the flow. This formulation was implemented using the framework PetIGA as a basis, using its parallel stuctures to achieve high scalability. The results of the square heat driven cavity test case are in good agreement with those reported earlier.