Fluid dynamics is a key element of mechanical engineering, with applications to automotive and aerospace engineering in particular. However the governing equations of fluid mechanics are complex and difficult to solve for realistic engineering problems. Computational Fluid Mechanics is the application of computational analysis to solve the equations of fluid mechanics. In this module you will learn about the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations which govern fluid mechanics, and the basics of their solution through CFD, together with applications in engineering including exterior aerodynamics, aerofoils, and wind turbines.

The module is developed around two pieces of project work (worth 30% each) together with a short exam (1.5hrs, 40% of marks). The first project analyses boundary layers through experiment and numerical solution using Python, whilst in the second you will look at aspects of wind turbine design, in particular the properties of an aerofoil (experiment) and CFD analysis of the turbine structure.

By the end of the course you will be able to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for simple analytical problems such as flow in a duct or pipe. You will understand the basic principles of boundary layer theory, turbulence and exterior aerodynamics. You will be able to use CFD and commercial CFD programs to analyse engineering problems and have gained further experience with experimental fluid dynamics, in particular the use of wind tunnels. Finally, you will be able to apply your knowledge to analyse engineering problems such as aerofoils and vehicular aerodynamics.

The Navier-Stokes equations: An overview and derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow, in differential and integral forms. Analytical solution of differential form in 1D for simple problems. Von Karman integral method. Other regimes of flow (e.g. compressible). Boundary layer theory; laminar and turbulent, Blasius solution for laminar boundary layers using numerical methods.

Turbulent flows: basic characteristics and statistical analysis. Exterior aerodynamics around simple objects and vehicles. Basics of aerofoil theory; lift and drag and effects of design. An overview of Reynolds averaging and turbulence modelling.

Introduction to CFD: Basics of computational fluid dynamics using the finite volume method; implicit and explicit algorithms, differencing schemes, matrix inversion and solution algorithms (SIMPLE). Simple RANS turbulence models (k-e) and wall modelling. Best practice in CFD solution.

Fluids in renewable energy applications: Wind turbines; basic design of HAWT, actuator disk/line modelling and application in CFD. Resource characterisation and modelling.

1: Fundamental Equations of Fluid Dynamics:

Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow, differential and integral forms. Analytical solution of differential form in 1-d for simple problems. Von Karman integral method.

Other regimes of flow (eg incompressible). Reynolds averaging and turbulence. Boundary layer theory; laminar and turbulent, Blasius solution for laminar b.l. using numerical methods.

2: Turbulence:

Basic characteristics and statistical analysis. Exterior aerodynamics around simple objects and vehicles. Basics of aerofoil theory; lift and drag and effects of design.

3: Computational Fluid Dynamics:

Basics of computational fluid dynamics using finite volume method; implicit and explicit algorithms, differencing schemes, matrix inversion and solution algorthms (SIMPLE).

Simple RANS turbulence models (k-e) and wall modelling. Best practice in CFD solution.

4: Wind turbines:

Basic design of HAWT, actuator disk/line modelling and application in CFD. Resource characterisation and modelling.

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

Reading list for this module: