A finite element method for the resolution of the Reduced Navier-Stokes/Prandtl equations

A finite element method to solve the bidimensional Reduced Navier-Stokes Prandtl (RNS/P) equations is described. These equations are an asymptotical simplification of the full Navier-Stokes equations, obtained when one dimension of the domain is of one order smaller than the others. These aretherefore of particular interest to describe flows in channels or pipes of small diameter. A low order finite element discretization, based on a piecewise constant approximation of the pressure, is proposed and analyzed. Numerical experiments which consist in fluid flow simulations within a constricted pipe are provided. Comparisons with Navier-Stokes simulations allow to evaluate the performance of prediction of the finite element method, and of the model itself

A bridge between liquids and socio-economic systems: the key role of interaction strengths

One distinctive and pervasive aspect of social systems is the fact that they comprise several kinds of agents. Thus, in order to draw parallels with physical systems one is lead to consider binary (or multi-component) compounds. Recent views about the mixing of liquids in solutions gained from neutron and X-ray scattering show these systems to have a number of similarities with socio-economic systems. It appears that such phenomena as rearrangement of bonds in a solution, gas condensation, selective evaporation of molecules can be transposed in a natural way to socio-economic phenomena. These connections provide a novel perspective for looking at social systems which we illustrate through some examples. For instance, we interpret suicide as an escape phenomenon and in order to test that interpretation we consider social systems characterized by very low levels of social interaction. For those systems suicide rates are found to be 10 to 100 times higher than in the general population. Another interesting parallel concerns the phase transition which occurs when locusts gather together to form swarms which may contain several billion insects. What hinders the thorough investigation of such cases from the standpoint of collective phenomena that we advocate is the lack or inadequacy of statistical data for, up to now, they were collected for completely different purposes. Most essential for further progress are statistics which would permit to estimate the strength of social ties and interactions. Once adequate data become available, rapid advance may be expected.Comment: 23 pages, 6 figures, 4 table

Three-dimensional transonic potential flow about complex 3-dimensional configurations

An analysis has been developed and a computer code written to predict three-dimensional subsonic or transonic potential flow fields about lifting or nonlifting configurations. Possible condfigurations include inlets, nacelles, nacelles with ground planes, S-ducts, turboprop nacelles, wings, and wing-pylon-nacelle combinations. The solution of the full partial differential equation for compressible potential flow written in terms of a velocity potential is obtained using finite differences, line relaxation, and multigrid. The analysis uses either a cylindrical or Cartesian coordinate system. The computational mesh is not body fitted. The analysis has been programmed in FORTRAN for both the CDC CYBER 203 and the CRAY-1 computers. Comparisons of computed results with experimental measurement are presented. Descriptions of the program input and output formats are included

A theoretical and experimental investigation of smooth- and wavy ice layers in laminar and turbulent flow inside an asymmetrically cooled parallel-plate channel

The present paper shows the adaption of the numerical model originally developed by Weigand and Beer [14] for calculating steady-state ice layers inside an asymmetrically cooled parallel-plate channel. The investigation shows the characteristics in ice formation behaviour due to asymmetrically cooled walls. Further, a simple analytical model is presented for calculating smooth ice layers in turbulent flow. The study is supported by own measurements of the freezing fronts inside an asymmetrically cooled channel. A comparison between theoretical calculations and measurements shows generally good agreement.Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Anwendung des von Weigand und Beer [14] entwickelten, numerischen Modells zur Vorhersage von Eisschichten in einem ebenen, asymmetrisch gekühlten Kanal. Die Studie befaßt sich mit den Unterschieden in der Eisschichtbildung aufgrund der asymmetrisch gekühlten Kanalwände. Weiterhin wird ein einfaches Verfahren angegeben, mit dem sich die Gestalt von glatten Eisschichten bei turbulenter Strömung und asymmetrischer Kühlung sehr einfach berechnen läßt. Die analytisch und numerisch gewonnenen Resultate werden anschließend mit eigenen Messungen von Eisschichten verglichen, wobei eine im allgemeinen gute Übereinstimmung zwischen Theorie und Experiment zu beobachten ist

Review of \u3ci\u3e Native Americans in the School System: Family, Community, and Academic Achievement\u3c/i\u3e by Carol J. Ward

The title of this volume promises more than the content delivers. The heart of the book is information from Ward\u27s 1992 University of Chicago doctoral dissertation, which focused on the social and cultural reasons leading to students dropping out of school. Her first two chapters provide a good review of research on dropouts and Indian education; the following six focus on the results of her 1987-1989 study of 698 Northern Cheyenne, Crow, and white high school students attending the Colstrip Public, St. Labre Catholic, and Busby Tribal Schools in Montana. Fifty-two percent of the students in this study were Indian, with a dropout rate of 45%