Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Which series expansion is used by the Lax-Wendroff Technique?(a) Taylor Series(b) Fourier series(c) McLaurin series(d) Laurent seriesThe question was asked in a job interview.The origin of the question is Finite Difference Methods topic in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Taylor Series

For explanation: Lax-Wendroff TECHNIQUE uses the Taylor series expansion to APPROXIMATE its TIME DERIVATIVES. This makes the technique marching in time in an explicit way. The NUMBER of terms used for this expansion decides the accuracy of this system.

2.

Which of these methods of solving a system of equations will be needed after using an explicit scheme?(a) Sequential(b) Simultaneous(c) Iterative(d) DirectI got this question in exam.My doubt stems from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Sequential

For explanation: EXPLICIT schemes result in marching solutions. Each step is DEPENDENT on the previous step only for one variable. The rest of the variables are found using the FIRST obtained one. So, a SIMULTANEOUS solution will not be NEEDED here.

3.

Using the Taylor series expansion, What is the first term of the truncation error of the finite difference equation \((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta y}\)?(a) \(-(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}\)(b) \((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{3}\)(c) \(-(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{3}\)(d) \((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}\)This question was posed to me during a job interview.My doubt stems from Finite Difference Method topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) \(-(\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial X^2})_{i,j}\frac{\DELTA x}{2}\)

EXPLANATION: The Taylor series expansion of ui+1,j is

\(u_{i+1,j}=u_{i,j}+(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j} \Delta x+(\frac{\partial ^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{(\Delta x)^2}{2}+⋯\)

\(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}=(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}+(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}+⋯\)

\((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}-(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}-…\)

The term –\((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}-… \)is truncated. So, the first term of truncation error is –\((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}\).

4.

I am using forward differences in the predictor step. Which method would you suggest me to use in the corrector step?(a) Rearward differences(b) Central differences(c) Forward differences(d) Second-order differencesThis question was addressed to me in my homework.My question is from Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Rearward differences

Easy explanation: If forward differences are USED in the predictor step, rearward differences should be used in the corrector step and VICE versa. At every time-step, this SEQUENCE should be changed while SOLVING a time-marching problem.

5.

Which series expansion is used by the MacCormack’s technique?(a) Taylor Series(b) Fourier series(c) McLaurin series(d) Laurent seriesThe question was asked in an interview for job.My question is taken from Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) Taylor Series

To elaborate: The MacCormack’s technique uses the Taylor series expansion to APPROXIMATE its time DERIVATIVES LIKE the finite difference scheme. But the accuracy here is not DEPENDENT on the order of the derivative. It has improved accuracy.
6.

Which of these properties limit the time-step size in the explicit schemes?(a) Convergence(b) Stability(c) Consistency(d) ErrorI got this question during an internship interview.Asked question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right answer is (B) Stability

The best I can explain: The time step-size of an EXPLICIT scheme cannot be big. They are limited by the stability criterion. If the time-step size is BIGGER than the limit GIVEN by this criterion, the results will GO extremely unstable.

7.

What is the main disadvantage of explicit schemes in a time-dependent problem?(a) Marching solution(b) Simultaneous equations(c) Small time-step size(d) Small grid sizeI got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.Question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» RIGHT choice is (c) Small TIME-step SIZE

Explanation: Explicit time-based schemes have a limited time-step size. Big time steps cannot be used. So, the total time of computation REQUIRED to solve the system is very large when compared to the implicit schemes.
8.

Find \(\frac{\partial u}{\partial r}\) at point 1 using forward difference method.(a) 1000(b) 100(c) 500(d) 5000I had been asked this question during an internship interview.I'd like to ask this question from Finite Difference Method in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (a) 1000

Explanation: USING the forward DIFFERENCE method,

\(\FRAC{\PARTIAL U}{\partial r}=\frac{u_2-u_1}{\Delta r}=\frac{5-0}{0.5×10^{-2}}=\frac{5}{5×10^{-3}}=1000.\)

9.

Find the central second difference of u in y-direction using the Taylor series expansion.(a) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}+2u_{i,j}+u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\)(b) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-2u_{i,j}+u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\)(c) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-2u_{i,j}-u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\)(d) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}+2u_{i,j}-u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\)The question was posed to me during an interview for a job.Question is taken from Finite Difference Method topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (b) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-2u_{i,j}+u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\)

The explanation: To get the second difference,

\(u_{i,j+1}+u_{i,j-1}=2 u_{i,j}+(\frac{\PARTIAL^2 U}{\partial y^2})_{i,j}(\Delta y)^2+⋯\)

\((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i,j+1}-2 u_{i,j}+u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2} +⋯\)

After TRUNCATING,

\((\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i,j+1}-2 u_{i,j}+u_{i,j-1}}{(\Delta y)^2}\).

10.

Information about the magnitude and distribution of the truncation error can be useful for ____________(a) correcting the error(b) increasing the stability(c) refining the grid(d) converging the solutionThis question was addressed to me in class test.This is a very interesting question from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) refining the grid

Easy EXPLANATION: It is not possible to DECREASE the discretization error as it will lead to increased ALGEBRA and COMPUTATION. So, the information about the discretization error can be used only for refining the girds and achieve the same level of discretization everywhere in the solution.

11.

Which of these is wrong for the Lax-Wendroff technique?(a) Linearization is needed(b) Simultaneous equations are not required(c) It is simple to solve(d) It uses the finite difference methodI had been asked this question in a national level competition.This key question is from Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right option is (c) It is simple to solve

The explanation is: Lax-Wendroff TECHNIQUE USES the finite difference method to get time-dependent solutions. The need for linearization DEPENDS upon the equation to be solved. Simultaneous equations are not required as the resulting SYSTEM is explicit. But the system is not simple to solve. It involves lengthy algebra to get the second order TERMS.

12.

What is the order of accuracy of the Lax-Wendroff technique?(a) fourth-order(b) third-order(c) first-order(d) second-orderI have been asked this question in my homework.The question is from Finite Difference Methods in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (d) second-ORDER

Easiest EXPLANATION: The Lax-Wendroff technique is second order accurate in both space and time. The FIRST term in the truncation error has an order 2. This order of accuracy makes the algebra BEHIND the technique complex.

13.

The Lax-Wendroff technique is ____________(a) explicit, finite-difference method(b) implicit, finite-difference method(c) explicit, finite volume method(d) implicit, finite volume methodThis question was addressed to me in semester exam.I would like to ask this question from Finite Difference Methods topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (a) explicit, finite-DIFFERENCE METHOD

The BEST I can explain: Lax-Wendroff TECHNIQUE is particularly suitable for marching solutions of hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equations. It is an explicit method which uses the finite difference scheme for marching solutions.

14.

What is the cost of computation of FFT? (Note: ‘N’ is the number of grid points).(a) N(b) log ⁡N(c) N log ⁡N(d) \(\frac{N^2}{2} \)I have been asked this question during an internship interview.This interesting question is from Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (c) N LOG ⁡N

To explain I would say: The cost of COMPUTATION is reduced by FFT. FFT has a cost of computation of Nlog⁡ N orders. This is much lower than N^2, especially when N is large. This reduces the PROBLEM of computation cost in the Spectral method.

15.

What is the least order of accuracy for the second derivatives?(a) first-order(b) third-order(c) fourth-order(d) second-orderI had been asked this question during a job interview.My doubt is from Finite Difference Method topic in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (d) SECOND-order

The best explanation: The LEAST possible order of accuracy for the second derivatives is 2. There cannot be a first-order second derivative as the second derivatives need terms LESS than the second order for the approximation.

16.

When is the Richardson extrapolation accurate?(a) When the system is stable(b) When the convergence is monotonic(c) When the system is consistent(d) When the system is linearThe question was asked in an interview.My doubt stems from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (B) When the convergence is monotonic

Explanation: The RICHARDSON extrapolation is very useful as it is a simple method. But, it can give ACCURATE RESULTS only when the convergence is monotonic. This convergence represents the convergence of error while refining the grid.

17.

How is the discretization error found?(a) Difference between the solutions obtained from systematically refined grids(b) Difference between the exact and the numerical solutions(c) Difference between the exact solution and the solution from the refined grid(d) Difference between the coarse grid solution and the exact solutionThe question was posed to me in an internship interview.Query is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Difference between the solutions OBTAINED from systematically REFINED grids

To elaborate: Discretization error is originally the difference between the exact SOLUTION of the partial DIFFERENTIAL equation and the solution of the ALGEBRAIC equation. But, as the exact solution is not known, we estimate the discretization error as the difference between the solutions obtained from systematically refined grids.

18.

Which of these values used to find \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{av}\) is a predicted one?(a) \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t\)(b) Neither \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t nor (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)(c) \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)(d) Both \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)I had been asked this question at a job interview.My enquiry is from Finite Difference Methods in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (C) \((\frac{\partial\RHO}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)

Easiest explanation: \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\) is predicted using the continuity equation and the value of \(\rho_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\) in the process of finding \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{av}\). The continuity equation is used as we NEED the time rate of change of density.
19.

To make the spectral method advantageous _____________(a) Function must be periodic but grids can be non-uniform(b) Grids should be uniform and function must be periodic(c) Grids should be uniform but function can be non-periodic(d) Grids should be structured and function must be periodicThe question was asked in an internship interview.My enquiry is from Finite Difference Methods topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) Grids should be uniform and FUNCTION must be periodic

Explanation: To get the full advantages of this Spectral METHOD, the function must be periodic of the DEPENDENT variable and the grids should be uniform. This makes the Spectral method inflexible when compared to the other discretization methods.

20.

Which of these is correct regarding implicit schemes?(a) Truncation error is less(b) Computation time is more(c) Time-step size is small(d) Easy to set-upThe question was asked during a job interview.This question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) TRUNCATION error is less

Explanation: As the time-step SIZE is very large, the truncation error may become large and the accuracy of RESULTS may be less when compared to that of the explicit SCHEMES. The total time of COMPUTATION is less. But the algorithm is difficult to set-up.

21.

What does Richardson extrapolation do in finite difference schemes?(a) Add the error estimate to the results of the finest grid(b) Subtract the error estimate from the results of the finest grid(c) Add the error estimate to the results of the current grid(d) Subtract the error estimate from the results of the current gridThe question was asked in an interview.My question is based upon Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (a) Add the error ESTIMATE to the results of the FINEST grid

For EXPLANATION: When we have the results of many grid arrangements ranging from coarse to fine. A solution which is more accurate than the solution of the finest grid can be obtained by ADDING the error estimate to the results of the finest grid available.

22.

How many terms of the Taylor series expansion is used in the Lax-Wendroff technique?(a) (Δ t)^1 and (Δ t)^2(b) (Δ t)^0,(Δ t)^1 and (Δ t)^2(c) (Δ t)^0 and (Δ t)^1(d) (Δ t)^0The question was asked during a job interview.The question is from Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) (Δ t)^0,(Δ t)^1 and (Δ t)^2

The explanation is: The first three terms of the Taylor SERIES EXPANSION for the time marching TERM is used in the Lax-Wendroff Technique. This leads to the second-order accuracy of the system. Known VALUES at previous time-step are used to find the value at the current time-step.

23.

Spectral methods use ___________(a) Fourier series(b) Taylor series(c) McLaurin series(d) Laurent seriesI had been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Question is from Finite Difference Methods in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct option is (a) FOURIER series

For explanation: Finite Difference METHODS use Taylor series. In spectral methods, spatial derivatives are evaluated using the Fourier series or ONE of their generalization. The SIMPLEST spectral methods deal with periodic FUNCTIONS specified by their values at a uniformly spaced set of points.

24.

The cost of computing the Fourier coefficients is ___________ (Note: ‘N’ is the number of grid points).(a) N^3(b) N^2(c) \(\frac{N^2}{2} \)(d) \(\frac{N^3}{3} \)I got this question in final exam.Enquiry is from Finite Difference Methods topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) N^2

Easiest EXPLANATION: The computational cost REQUIRED for computing FOURIER coefficients, if done in the most obvious MANNER, is N^2. This is prohibitively expensive. It is twice that of the backward substitution for Gauss-Elimination method.

25.

What happens when the convergence is not monotonic?(a) Solutions will always converge(b) Solutions will not converge(c) Erroneous solutions may converge(d) Error will increaseI had been asked this question during an online interview.Enquiry is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Erroneous solutions may converge

To explain: The order of convergence is valid only when the convergence is monotonic. This is because, for two consecutive grids, RESULTS may ALSO converge even if the error is large. Then, a third grid ARRANGEMENT must be used to ASSURE the real convergence of the SOLUTION.

26.

How is the value \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{av}\) obtained in the MacCormack’s expansion to find \(\rho_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)?(a) Truncated mean of \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)(b) Weighted average of \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)(c) Geometric mean of \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)(d) Arithmetic mean of \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)I had been asked this question during an interview.I need to ask this question from Finite Difference Methods topic in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (d) ARITHMETIC MEAN of \((\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t and (\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}\)

Explanation: The VALUE of \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{av}\) is the arithmetic mean of \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}\) at t and \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}\) at t+Δt.

\((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{av}=\frac{1}{2}[(\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t+(\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^{t+\Delta t}]\).

27.

Consider three-dimensional Euler equations. What will you do to get the value of \((\frac{\partial^2 ρ}{\partial t^2})_{i,j}^t\)?(a) Differentiate \(\rho_{i,j}^t\) with respect to time twice(b) Differentiate the continuity equation with respect to time(c) Differentiate the value of \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t\) with respect to time(d) Differentiate the value of \(\rho_{i,j}^t\) with respect to time twiceThis question was addressed to me in examination.This intriguing question originated from Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (B) Differentiate the continuity equation with RESPECT to time

The explanation: Differentiating the value of any variable or the value of its DERIVATIVE have no sense as it will result in zero. To differentiateup \(\rho_{i,j}^t\) with respect to time twice, the equation for \(\rho_{i,j}^t\) should be known. But, it is not. So, differentiating the continuity equation with respect to time is the only way. REMEMBER the continuity equation gives \((\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t})\).

28.

Spectral methods are particularly suitable for __________(a) Subsonic flows(b) Boundary layer flows(c) Compressible flows(d) Turbulence modellingThis question was addressed to me in homework.I'm obligated to ask this question of Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (d) Turbulence modelling

The best I can explain: Spectral methods are not so commonly used like the FINITE VOLUME and Finite DIFFERENCE methods in CFD. But, they are specifically very good methods for analyzing turbulence models, especially with uniform grids.
29.

Order of accuracy m means _____________(a) as the grid size is reduced, the approximations converge to the exact solution with an error proportional to m powers of the grid size(b) as the grid size is reduced, the approximations converge to the exact solution with an error proportional to m times of the grid size(c) as the grid size is reduced, the approximations diverge from the exact solution with an error proportional to m powers of the grid size(d) as the grid size is reduced, the approximations diverge from the exact solution with an error proportional to m times of the grid sizeThis question was addressed to me in an interview.This key question is from Finite Difference Method in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) as the grid size is REDUCED, the approximations converge to the exact solution with an error proportional to m powers of the grid size

Easiest EXPLANATION: An order of ACCURACY m means that the TRUNCATION error starts with a TERM proportional to grid size^m. So, the statement “as the grid size is reduced, the approximations converge to the exact solution with an error proportional to m powers of the grid size” is correct.

30.

Find the second-order accurate finite difference approximation of the first derivative of the velocity component (u) in the x-direction using the Taylor series expansion. (Note: i and j are in the x and y-direction respectively).(a) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-u_{i,j-1}}{\Delta x}\)(b) \(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i-1,j}}{\Delta x}\)(c) \(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i-1,j}}{2\Delta x}\)(d) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-u_{i,j-1}}{2\Delta x}\)I have been asked this question in examination.This interesting question is from Finite Difference Method in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (c) \(\frac{u_{i+1,J}-u_{i-1,j}}{2\Delta x}\)

For explanation: The only second-order accurate FINITE difference APPROXIMATION of the first derivative is the central difference. For GETTING the central difference term,

\(u_{i+1,j}=u_{i,j}+(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}\Delta x+(\frac{\partial ^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{(\Delta x)^2}{2}+⋯\)

\(u_{i-1,j}=u_{i,j}-(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}\Delta x+(\frac{\partial ^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{(\Delta x)^2}{2}+⋯\)

To get \((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j^,}\)

\(u_{i+1,j}-u_{i-1,j}=2(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j} \Delta x+⋯\)

\((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i-1,j}}{2 \Delta x}\) .

31.

The exact solution of the partial differential equation varies from the exact solution of the discretized equations by ___________(a) truncation error(b) discretization error(c) iteration error(d) modelling errorThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.Enquiry is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) discretization ERROR

To explain I would say: The difference between the exact solution of the PARTIAL differential equation and the solution of the algebraic equation is the discretization error. Mathematically

Φ=Φnum+∈d

Where,

Φ → Exact solution

Φnum → Numerical solution

∈d → Discretization error

32.

What is the source of discretization error in the finite difference method?(a) Numerical error(b) Round-off error(c) Truncation error(d) Modelling errorI had been asked this question in exam.The doubt is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations topic in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) TRUNCATION error

Explanation: Discretization error OCCURS because of the truncation errors which ARISE while discretizing the PDES. It is NAMED truncation error as the root cause of it is the truncation of the higher order terms in the series expansion.

33.

Which value is predicted in the predictor step of the MacCormack’s technique?(a) Variable at the average time-step(b) Variable at the upcoming time-step(c) Time derivative of the variable at the upcoming time-step(d) Time derivative of the variable at the average time-stepThe question was posed to me at a job interview.Question is taken from Finite Difference Methods in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (b) Variable at the upcoming TIME-step

Explanation: To GET the derivative in the upcoming time-step for finding the time derivative of the variable at the average time, the variable at that time step is needed. This is the value which we intend to find using MacCormack’s technique. So, in the PREDICTOR step, the value of the variable at that time step is predicted.
34.

Consider the one-dimensional heat conduction equation. Apply forward difference method to approximate time rate and central difference method to approximate x-derivative. The resulting equation is in _____________(a) Implicit linear form(b) Explicit linear form(c) Explicit non-linear form(d) Implicit non-linear formThe question was asked in a job interview.I need to ask this question from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods topic in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (b) Explicit linear form

Best explanation: The one-dimensional heat CONDUCTION equation is

\(\frac{\partial T}{\partial t}=α \frac{\partial^2 T}{\partial t^2} \)

Applying the difference APPROXIMATIONS,

\(\frac{T_i^{n+1}-T_i^n}{\DELTA t}=\ALPHA \frac{T_{i+1}^n-2T_i^n+T_{i-1}^n}{(\Delta x^2)} \)

\(T_i^{n+1}=T_i^n+\alpha\frac{\Delta t(T_{i+1}^n-2T_i^n+T_{i-1}^n)}{(\Delta x^2)} \)

The equation is in explicit linear form.

35.

What is the order of the central difference for the mixed derivative \(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x\partial y}\) while approximated using the Taylor series expansion?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4I got this question in final exam.The above asked question is from Finite Difference Method in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right answer is (b) 2

To explain: The first term in the truncation error of the central difference for the MIXED DERIVATIVE \(\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x\partial y} \,is\, -(\frac{\partial^4 u}{\partial x^3 \partial y})\frac{(\Delta x)^2}{12}\). So, the order of ACCURACY is 2.

36.

The truncation error in a finite difference expansion is \(-(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{\Delta x}{2}-(\frac{\partial^3 u}{\partial x^3})_{i,j} \frac{(\Delta x)^3}{6}\). What is the order of accuracy of the finite difference equation?(a) 1(b) 2(c) -2(d) -1The question was posed to me during a job interview.My question is taken from Finite Difference Method in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (a) 1

Explanation: The lowest order term in the truncation error given is \(\frac{\Delta x}{2}\), which is of the order 1. This defines the order of ACCURACY of the equation. So, the order of accuracy here is 1.

37.

Which of these terms of the Taylor series expansion is used in the MacCormack’s technique?(a) (Δ t)^1 and (Δ t)^2(b) (Δ t)^1(c) (Δ t)^0 and (Δ t)^1(d) (Δ t)^0This question was posed to me in an online quiz.I want to ask this question from Finite Difference Methods topic in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (c) (Δ t)^0 and (Δ t)^1

For EXPLANATION: Only the first TWO terms in the Taylor series expansion is used in the MacCormack’s technique. The first two terms are (Δ t)^0 and (Δ t)^1. All other higher-order terms are omitted. But, the order of accuracy is maintained here as two.

38.

What is the order of accuracy of the MacCormack’s technique?(a) Fourth-order(b) Third-order(c) First-order(d) Second-orderI had been asked this question in an interview for job.This intriguing question originated from Finite Difference Methods in division Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right answer is (d) Second-order

Easiest explanation: MacCormack’s TECHNIQUE is second order ACCURATE in both space and TIME. There is a SPECIAL method used in MacCormack’s technique to make the order of accuracy two, even after reducing the lengthy ALGEBRA.

39.

Consider three-dimensional Euler equations. Which equation will you use to find the value \((\frac{\partial u}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t\)?(a) Energy equation(b) y-momentum equation(c) x-momentum equation(d) Continuity equationThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.The origin of the question is Finite Difference Methods in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (c) x-momentum EQUATION

Explanation: The x-momentum equation gives the time derivative if the x-component of velocity at a particular time in TERMS of the other flow VARIABLES and their special derivatives. So, this can be used to GET the time derivative \((\frac{\partial U}{\partial t})_{i,j}^t\).

40.

What is the disadvantage of the Lax-Wendroff technique?(a) Stability(b) Explicit(c) Order of accuracy(d) \((\frac{\partial ^2 \rho}{\partial t^2 })_{i,j}^t\)The question was posed to me in an interview.This intriguing question comes from Finite Difference Methods in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (d) \((\FRAC{\partial ^2 \RHO}{\partial t^2 })_{i,j}^t\)

The best I can explain: The second order term in the Taylor series expansion of the Lax-Wendroff technique is its disadvantage. This term leads to a complex ALGEBRA while getting it using the difference schemes. The LENGTHY algebra here is the only considerable disadvantage of this technique.

41.

For higher order derivatives, spectral methods ___________(a) can be easily generated(b) are not suitable(c) difficult to generate(d) become invalidI got this question in an online quiz.This interesting question is from Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right answer is (a) can be easily generated

Explanation: Spectral METHOD can easily be generated for HIGHER DERIVATIVES. The FOURIER coefficients will vary in higher order derivatives. Other than this, there are not much changes NEEDED for higher orders.

42.

Which of these schemes will lead to an implicit problem?(a) Higher-order schemes(b) SIMPLE algorithm(c) High-resolution scheme(d) Crank-Nicolson schemeI got this question in an interview for job.The question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Right option is (d) Crank-Nicolson scheme

The best explanation: Crank-Nicolson scheme is used to SOLVE problems governed by PARABOLIC equations. They result in implicit time-dependent problems. In CFD, they are usually used for finite difference SOLUTIONS of boundary layer problems.

43.

Which of these may cause a problem to implicit schemes?(a) Coupled equations(b) Partial differential equations(c) Non-linear equations(d) Linear equationsI had been asked this question in a national level competition.This interesting question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Non-linear equations

To explain: Though the implicit SCHEME has a great advantage of larger time steps, each step in an implicit scheme is large and TAKES more COMPUTATIONAL time. If the equation is non-linear, solving the system simultaneously will become more difficult. USUALLY, for these cases, the equations are LINEARIZED.

44.

Which of these methods is used for finding the average time derivative in MacCormack’s technique?(a) Trial and error method(b) Predictor-corrector method(c) Genetic algorithm(d) Relaxation methodThe question was asked in an online quiz.I'd like to ask this question from Finite Difference Methods topic in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) Predictor-corrector method

The best I can EXPLAIN: To GET the time derivative at the average time between t and t+Δ t, the MacCormack’s technique USES the Predictor-corrector method. This is USED as we do not know the value for the time derivative at the time-step t+Δ t.
45.

The cost of computation for Fourier coefficients can be reduced by ___________(a) FFT(b) DFT(c) IDFT(d) IFTThis question was posed to me in a national level competition.I'm obligated to ask this question of Finite Difference Methods in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) FFT

The explanation: FFT STANDS for Fast Fourier Transform which is an algorithm for finding DISCRETE Fourier Transform (DFT) of a sequence or the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT). This is used to REDUCE the computational COST.

46.

What is Richardson extrapolation used for?(a) To increase the accuracy(b) To decrease the error(c) To create convergence monotony(d) To increase the rate of convergenceThis question was addressed to me in examination.Question is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) To INCREASE the rate of convergence

To elaborate: RICHARDSON EXTRAPOLATION is a sequence acceleration METHOD. It is used to increase the rate of convergence of a SYSTEM. In the finite difference method, it is used to find accurate results from the discretized results.

47.

Truncation error is the difference between __________(a) the exact solution of the partial differential equation and the discretized equations(b) the exact partial differential equation and the discretized equations(c) the exact solution and the numerical solution of the partial differential equations(d) the exact partial differential equation and its solutionThis question was addressed to me in an interview for internship.My doubt is from Errors in Finite Difference Approximations in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) the exact PARTIAL differential equation and the discretized equations

The EXPLANATION: Truncation ERROR is the difference between the exact partial differential equation and the discretized ALGEBRAIC equation. This arises as we cut-off the higher order terms in the Taylor series expansion.

48.

What is advantageous in implicit schemes?(a) Error(b) Consistency(c) Convergence(d) StabilityThe question was posed to me during an online exam.The question is from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods in section Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (d) Stability

Best explanation: Implicit schemes do not have any restriction for the time-step size. They are stable for LARGE time-steps also. Some of the implicit schemes are EVEN UNCONDITIONALLY stable. Stability problems do not arise in implicit schemes.

49.

Implicit time-based problems will result in __________(a) Coupled equations(b) Uncoupled equations(c) Linear equations(d) Non-linear equationsI had been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Explicit and Implicit Finite Difference Methods topic in chapter Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (a) Coupled equations

For explanation: Implicit time-dependent solutions do not have a SINGLE UNKNOWN in a new time step. All the variables at a time step are coupled. So, they must be solved simultaneously to get the variables.
50.

Find the first-order forward difference approximation of \((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}\) using the Taylor series expansion.(a) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-u_{i,j}}{2 \Delta x}\)(b) \(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{2 \Delta x}\)(c) \(\frac{u_{i,j+1}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}\)(d) \(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}\)The question was posed to me in an online quiz.I want to ask this question from Finite Difference Method in portion Finite Difference Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer»

The correct option is (d) \(\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}\)

The best I can explain: To GET the first-order FORWARD DIFFERENCE APPROXIMATION,

The Taylor series expansion of ui+1,j is

\(u_{i+1,j}=u_{i,j}+(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}\Delta x+(\frac{\partial ^2 u}{\partial x^2})_{i,j}\frac{(\Delta x)^2}{2}+⋯\)

\((\frac{\partial u}{\partial x})_{i,j}=\frac{u_{i+1,j}-u_{i,j}}{\Delta x}\).