The governing equations of fluid mechanics, the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE), are complex and non-linear, and thus cannot be solved analytically for anything but the simplest possible cases. To solve more complex problems of real engineering interest, we typically use computational methods, solving the NSE, or equations derived from these, numerically using high performance computers. This is known as Computational Fluid Dynamics, or CFD, and is now a key tool in the development and design of almost any product which involves fluids, including but not limited to; cars, aircraft, ships, engines and power plants, renewable energy devices such as wind or tidal turbines, and many others beside. CFD can be extended to incorporate other physical processes; multiphase flow, chemical reactions and combustion, interaction with deforming or rigid structures; and can thus be applied to analyse problems in a range of industries in areas such as chemical engineering and biomedical problems.

Practical work and theory go hand in hand on this 100% coursework module, building on your experience of CFD gained in last year's Computational Engineering module (ECM3152). You will learn about the mathematical modelling of turbulence and other physical effects in CFD, numerical and coding aspects of the numerical solution of these equations, and the practical application of CFD to real-world Engineering problems, particularly through the module-length miniproject (topics developed through discussion with the module leader) and external guest speakers. The module includes an introduction to the use of the open source CFD code OpenFOAM, and also uses the commercial package ANSYS Workbench and the commercial mesher Pointwise.

Prerequisite module: ECM3152 or equivalent
 

The aim of the module is to extend your practical understanding of CFD and to complement this with a comprehension of numerical and modelling issues. You will study the theoretical aspects of numerical simulation through directed study and interaction in tutorials, and will continue to develop your modelling skills through project work, on topics decided in discussion with the lecturers.
 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge 

1 apply CFD to solve problems using pre-existing packages;

2 explain and analyse the theoretical basis for CFD, both the numerical methodologies and the mathematical models used for a range of different physical problems;

3 formulate technqiues for modelling complex engineering systems using a variety of numerical techniques;

4 describe the use of CFD techniques in a variety of professional engineering contexts.
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge 

5 autonomously analyse and solve engineering problems.
 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge 

6 independently direct your learning and work towards a defined goal;

7 present your work professionally in a variety of forums, including in a classical seminar setting;

8 process and utilise information from a range of sources, including academic journals and technical publications.

The module content is intended to be somewhat flexible to reflect changes from year to year in current research activity, particularly through a programme of guest speakers, but would contain the following:

- numerics for CFD: FV method, differencing schemes, solution algorithms, matrix inversion;

- turbulence modelling: RANS, Reynolds Stress and LES methods;

- combustion: premixed, non-premixed combustion, combustion regimes;

- multiphase flow: dispersed and free-surface flows; simulation techniques including Lagrangian particle tracking, Eulerian two phase models and Volume of Fluid

- meshing using various tools including snappyHexMesh and Pointwise, mesh motion; applications in mixer vessels, IC engines

Reassessment will be by a single piece of coursework worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: