Download SUBS 6370: Computational Methods and Design Experiments

Published on UH Subsea Engineering (http://subsea.egr.uh.edu)
Home > SUBS 6370: Computational Methods and Design Experiments
SUBS 6370: Computational Methods and Design
Experiments
TERM:
Usually offered in the Spring Semester.
DESCRIPTION:
The course provides an overview of subsea systems Structural FEA, Thermal FEA, Computational Fluid
Dynamics, and Design of Experiments. Subsea systems simulations are inherently Multiphysics involving
mechanical, thermal, fluid and their interactions. An approach capturing the underlining physics involved in each
system will be presented, geared towards a systems perspective, enabled through simulations and design of
experiments techniques. The materials for this course emphasize the understanding of basic sciences,
engineering and numerical principles to subsea systems.
The course outcomes include an understanding of systems engineering, ability to analyze flow physics and
temperature losses in deep-water production, and an ability to influence structural design for stress and thermalfluid flows using state-of-the art prediction tools. The course focuses on modeling components and systems for
subsea equipment design, and enhancing the student?s engineering solving skills when faced with specific or
uncertain subsea simulation and modeling problems.
TOPICS COVERED:
Subsea Systems Simulation & Modeling: This part of the course introduces simulation tools and
methodologies for subsystems and systems comprising subsea equipment. Simulations and best-practice
techniques for pipelines, trees, manifolds, valves, and any subsea component will be highlighted from physics
based approach. Requirements for geometry simplifications, meshing requirements, post-processing, and
verification/validation will be highlighted. This topic will conclude with a review of simulation steps needed to
conduct a proper computer simulation with application to an open-ended engineering problem with
optimization as a key objective.
Design of Experiments: Engineers must also be prepared to test a model to be sure of its validity, extend its
range or define its range of applicability. Thus, experimentation is very important to all phases of engineering.
This part of the course covers the use of Design of Experiments for subsea systems with particular emphasis
on DOE techniques and statistical methods. In addition, a proper procedure for development of experimental
validation of simulations will be introduced. Surface Response modeling will be a key component of this topic.
SIMULATION SOFTWARE TOOLS:
Use of simulation tools developed by Ansys (e.g., Mechanical and Fluent), CD-adapco (Star CCM+), Simula
(Abaqus), JMP, MiniTab, and the course instructors will be used during the computer lab portions of the course
and throughout the semester.
COURSE GRADING:
The course grade will be based on homework, project and exams.
PROJECT:
Three in-class or out-of-class projects will be completed in this course. The projects will focus on developing
either partial or complete subsea system simulation models. These simulation models will be used to gain
knowledge of the simulation process, documenting findings, and then draw conclusions from the
findings/predictions. Each student will help write three technical reports, working in a team, which is of archival
quality for evaluation, and potentially, conference presentation (e.g., OTC).
© University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering