Computational fluid dynamics
Part of the Wikiversity Division of Fluid Mechanics, Division of Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and the Engineering and Technology Portal

Objectives
[edit | edit source]Introduces novice learners to applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) appropriately, instilling confidence that their computational results are reliable. Focus will be on:
- Computation of fluid dynamics using open-source software (OpenFOAM).
- Analysis of computational results within data-friendly ecosystem (Python).
- Validation & Verification of computational results.
CFD applications
[edit | edit source]- Fuel efficiency
- Fire modelling
- Climate change
- More listed on CFD Online.
Introduction
[edit | edit source]
CFD relies on some mathematical & discretisation techniques to be able to make the equations governing fluid motion solvable on a computer. Review this quick-and-dirty introduction to the basics underlying CFD for an overview of these techniques.
Conceptual review
[edit | edit source]Suggestion to review of the above conceptual material then consolidate these by explaining what each particular technique represents. In other words, what does each step mean and/or do?
- Finite-volume method.
- Iterative solving.
- Convergence.
- Grid sensitivity.
- Turbulence modelling.
Practical review
[edit | edit source]Suggestion to check out a tutorial introducing OpenFOAM. This demonstration will give you an overview of the CFD process. Focus will be on:
- Linux environment.
- Basic setup of 'case'.
- Mesh quality.
- Boundary conditions.
- Computation using 3 different meshes.
- Analysis of the computational results.
Further learning
[edit | edit source]Other helpful material include:
- YouTube | Fluid Mechanics 101: lecture-type videos providing up-to-date aspects of CFD.
- NPTEL | Chemical Engineering |Computational Fluid Dynamics: lecture-type videos providing fundamentals of CFD.
- Wikipedia | Computational Fluid Dynamics
- OpenFOAM | User Guide