Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

Nishant Soni,
WingRock AeroSpace

M.S.(Engg.)
EMU, JNCASR
Bengaluru.
Simulations and Modelling (Lead Instructor)
FlowThermo Lab, Nottingham, UK
Former Applications Engineer (CFD and Heat Transfer)
COMSOL Multiphysics, Bengaluru

July 25, 2022

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Agenda

CFD simulations - What, Why, How ?

Introduction to Mathematical Modeling.
Overview of CFD.
National Scenario - Opportunities in Academia and Industry.

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Methods of Analysis

Analytical - Only works for really simple cases

Computational - Can be just as accurate as an

experiment, plus cheaper and gives more information.

Experimental - Accurate, but limited and expensive.

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Fluid Dynamics are Complicated

Full equation for fluid dynamics:

I Navier Stokes Equations

∂ρ  
~ =0
+ ∇ · ρV
∂t

~
DV
ρ ~ + ρ~
= −∇p + µ∇2 V g
Dt
I Extremely complicated mathematics

No general analytical solution.

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CFD and The Art of Mathematical Modeling

Computational Fluid Dynamics, known today as CFD, is defined as the set of methodologies that enable the
computer to provide us with a numerical simulation of fluid flows.
We use the word “simulation” to indicate that we use the computer to solve numerically the laws that govern the
movement of fluids, in or around a material system, where its geometry is also modeled on the computer. Hence,
the whole system is transformed into a “virtual” environment or virtual product.
Modeling is the mathematical physics problem formulation in terms of a continuous initial boundary value problem
(IBVP).
IBVP is in the form of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) with appropriate boundary conditions and initial
conditions.
Modeling includes:
I Geometry and Domain
I Governing equations
I Flow conditions
I Initial and boundary conditions
I Selection of models for different applications

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Overview of steps involved in CFD
Discretize your object/domain into thousands/millions of tiny little boxes (cells), called a mesh/grid.
Each cell interacts with its neighbors
CFD engineer sets known values for the boundaries.
Computer iterates to solve set of equations for all the cells.

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Typical Areas of CFD applications
Aerospace
Automotive
Biomedical
Chemical Processing
Hydraulics
Marine
Oil and Gas
Power Generation
Sports

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How Simulations help us

Comparison I have experimental data that I need to understand, explain or verify. For example, obtaining results,
graphs for different operating conditions.
Prediction Experimental data in the given conditions is not available but I can use simulations to predict behaviour.
Methodology - I will devise a methodology to calculate quantities of interest to understand or explain a phenomena
- come up with a mathematical model.

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Pros and Cons of CFD

Pros:
I Computer simulations are relatively cheap
I Gives extensive details about results
I Allows simulation of the final product with real world physics
I Allows design optimization and exploration
Cons:
I Limitations with modeling (technical know how as to what can be modeled and what cannot be modeled)
I Complexity. CFD requires knowledge of physics, mathematics, numerical methods and high performance
computing.
I Time cost for high resolution simulations

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Comments on Accuracy
Accuracy = User Input
I Client decides how much they want to pay for accuracy
I +/ − 10% = Easily achieved
I +/ − 5% = Typical

+/ − 2% = Excellent
I Achieved by performing Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS).

Proven in two ways

I Validation studies
I Mesh independence studies

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Conclusion

CFD has its place.

I Test, Understand, Predict, Optimize and Build.

Major help or major burden

CFD Engineer = Fluid Dynamics Expert + Applied Mathematics + HPC
Demand CFD Accuracy
I Validation studies
I Mesh independence studies

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National Scenario in CFD

Educational/Research Institutes - IISc, JNCASR, TIFR (ICTS, CAM), IIT’s, ISRO, BARC
Industry - NAL, HAL, BHEL, SAIL, GTRE, Cummins, Mahindra, Birla Group etc.
The number of companies adopting CFD is increasing in a major way in India each year
CFD is the fastest growing sector of the CAD/CAE/CAM market with a projected 40 − 50% growth each year in
CFD in India.

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National Scenario in CFD

The demand for CFD is spurred by:

I Indian companies wanting to improve quality and compete globally. CFD is predominantly used in Aerospace
Industry, Automotive Industry, Power Generation Industry, Chemical and Petrochemical Industry, Biomedical
industry.
I MNC engineering centers located in India and bringing their design/analysis work here and serving overseas
clients. Working on all aspects of design, analysis and performance improvement using CFD.
I Indian Science and Defence Labs enhancing their CFD research. Defence labs like DRDO, NAL - Application
of CFD to high-speed propulsion systems.
Non-defence labs - Focusing on materials and chemical areas
Students knowledgeable in CFD are being produced by only a handful of institutes in India at present
The mismatch between the demand and availability of CFD students and engineers is growing each year at a large
rate

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Online CFD Training Course
I am offering online courses listed below to help students, researchers and engineers develop a thorough
understanding of the fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer and CFD.
First develop long time investment skills
I Exposure to the physics and solution algorithms
I Develop good programming skills
I Scientific Computing with C++
I Numerical methods for Engineers with Python
I CFD with a Modern Computing Approach
You will be ready to take on any software with a solid foundation.

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 Hope You Enjoyed the Excursion of CFD!

Thank You !!

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