MMA3101 · Computational fluid dynamics

Overview

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a well-established analysis, design and optimisation approach for industrial fluid and heat transfer problems. Examples include turbomachinery, vehicle aerodynamics and aeronautics. It is also a powerful research tool and is being increasingly used to answer fundamental questions in a wide range of fields, from astrophysics to nanomaterials. This unit provides you with an introduction to this mathematically sophisticated discipline. This involves a review of the equations governing motion and energy of fluids, the mathematical properties of these equations and the relevance of such properties to obtaining numerical solutions. The basics of numerical discretisation and solution methods will be discussed. The unit will also introduce you to using commercial CFD packages in analysing complex industrial problems involving fluids.

Areas of study: Minor: Computational engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss the main approaches used to discretise the compressible and incompressible fluid flow equations.
2. Appraise the capabilities and limitations of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) packages to model engineering problems in fluid flow and heat transfer.
3. Apply a theoretical understanding of the concepts of resolution, stability and order of numerical methods for solving partial differential equations relevant to engineering.
4. Execute suitable approximations when modelling turbulent flows.
5. Formulate an approximate solution to an engineering problem using a CFD package, with appropriate selection of boundary conditions, grid size and turbulence model.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.