TOOLS FOR PARAMETER STUDIES IN FLUID-DYNAMICS

Several computational methods to aid analysis of steady state problems in fluid dynamics are demonstrated. These include tracking of selecte d flow states; computing linearized parameter sensitivities and freque ncy response to forced parameter perturbations; and determining the to pology of a flow by systematically locating critical points of the vel ocity vector field. The primary concern addressed by these methods is analysis of collections of steady state solutions obtained through par ameter studies, rather than analysis of an isolated solution. In this regard, these methods are intended to answer the criticism sometimes m ade that solutions obtained by numerical methods do not lend insight t o parameter effects so easily as do traditional methods. Dip coating, slot coating, and a prototype of forward roll coating (a lid-driven ca vity with throughflow) are used to demonstrate application of the meth ods. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.