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CFD Midterm Project-SEM 7

The document discusses computational fluid dynamics simulations of flow past a circular cylinder and a NACA 0012 airfoil. It describes the methodology, meshing, results and graphs of lift, drag and vorticity for both cases. The document analyzes how the shape of these objects influences aerodynamic forces and flow patterns.

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shanawarshoukat14
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53 views

CFD Midterm Project-SEM 7

The document discusses computational fluid dynamics simulations of flow past a circular cylinder and a NACA 0012 airfoil. It describes the methodology, meshing, results and graphs of lift, drag and vorticity for both cases. The document analyzes how the shape of these objects influences aerodynamic forces and flow patterns.

Uploaded by

shanawarshoukat14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NUST COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL AND

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COMPUTATTIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

MIDTERM PROJECT

Submitted by:

Shanawar Shoukat

(353598)

DE 42 ME

Syndicate: C

Instructor: Brig Dr Imran Akhtar


Introduction
CFD software has revolutionized aerodynamic analysis, offering a powerful tool for simulating fluid flow,
and optimizing aerodynamic designs. It utilizes mathematical equations and algorithms to analyze and solve
fluid flow problems, making it a cost-effective and versatile approach. CFD software can accurately predict
lift and drag coefficients, crucial for optimizing aircraft wings, wind turbines, and other aerodynamic
components. It also visualizes vorticity contours, providing insights into flow patterns and potential areas of
flow separation, aiding in helping us understand laminar flow past a circular cylinder and NACA 0012 airfoil.

Title: Flow Past a Circular Cylinder

1. Introduction: The flow past a circular cylinder is a classical problem in fluid mechanics and has garnered
significant attention due to its relevance in various engineering disciplines. Understanding the flow
characteristics around a cylinder is crucial for designing structures such as bridges, offshore platforms, and
vehicle components. Additionally, the problem serves as a benchmark for validating computational models
and experimental techniques in fluid dynamics.
2. Methodology: The numerical simulations are conducted using a validated computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) software package. The governing equations, namely the Navier-Stokes equations, are solved using a
finite-volume method. The circular cylinder is represented in a three-dimensional Cartesian grid, and the
computational domain is appropriately discretized to capture the flow details near the surface of the cylinder.
To assess the accuracy of the numerical results, the simulation parameters are compared with available
experimental data for flow past a circular cylinder. The Reynolds number, cylinder diameter, and other
relevant parameters are carefully chosen to ensure the simulations represent realistic scenarios.
3- Meshing:
Meshing is a crucial step in the process of finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid
dynamics (CFD). It involves dividing a complex geometry into simpler elements, such as triangles or
quadrilaterals in 2D or tetrahedral and hexahedra in 3D, to create a mesh. This mesh represents the
physical structure or fluid domain and serves as the basis for numerical simulations.

Figure 1 Meshing
Graphs:
1-Cl vs Flow Time:

Figure 2 Cl vs Flow time

2-Cd vs Time:

Figure 3 Cd vs Flow time

3-Velocity Contours:

Figure 4 Vorticity Contour


3. Results: The results of the simulations reveal intricate details of the flow past a circular cylinder. The
distribution of pressure around the cylinder surface, velocity contours in the wake region, and the shedding
of vortices are analyzed to understand the fluid dynamics. Special attention is given to the drag and lift forces
acting on the cylinder, providing insights into the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic behavior.
Furthermore, the influence of Reynolds number on the flow patterns and the transition from laminar to
turbulent flow is explored. The results highlight the critical Reynolds numbers where the flow characteristics
undergo significant changes.
4. Discussion: The observed phenomena in the simulations are discussed in the context of their engineering
implications. The significance of vortex shedding, wake formation, and the impact of Reynolds number on
the drag and lift forces are thoroughly examined. Comparisons with experimental data and existing theoretical
models are made to validate the accuracy of the numerical simulations.
Possible applications of the findings in engineering design, such as optimizing the shape of structures to
minimize drag or enhance lift, are discussed. Additionally, limitations and areas for future research are
identified to guide further investigations into the flow past a circular cylinder.

Title: Flow Past NACA 0012 Airfoil :


1. Introduction:
Airfoils play a crucial role in the design and performance of aircraft, wind turbines, and various other
applications. The NACA 0012 airfoil, a symmetric airfoil widely used in aerodynamic research, serves as a
benchmark for understanding fundamental flow characteristics. This study focuses on the aerodynamics of
the NACA 0012 airfoil, exploring how its shape influences lift, drag, and other essential parameters.
The primary objectives of this research are to analyze the flow patterns around the NACA 0012 airfoil and
quantify its aerodynamic performance under different angles of attack. By gaining a comprehensive
understanding of the airfoil's behavior, engineers can optimize designs for improved efficiency and
performance in real-world applications.
2. Methodology:
2.1 Geometry and Meshing: The NACA 0012 airfoil geometry was defined according to the NACA airfoil
designations. A structured mesh was generated around the airfoil using computational tools, ensuring
sufficient resolution near the surface to capture boundary layer effects and intricate flow features.
3.2 Pressure Distribution: Pressure distribution around the airfoil surface provides insights into the lift
generation mechanism. Variations in pressure along the upper and lower surfaces illustrate the airflow patterns
contributing to lift and drag forces
Figure 5 Meshing

2.2 Numerical Solver: The simulations were performed using a state-of-the-art CFD solver, implementing the
Navier-Stokes equations to model fluid flow. The solver accounts for turbulence effects through appropriate
turbulence models, ensuring accuracy in predicting flow behavior.
2.3 Boundary Conditions: Appropriate boundary conditions were applied to simulate realistic scenarios. The
airfoil was set in a free-stream flow, and variations in angle of attack were introduced to investigate the airfoil's
response under different aerodynamic conditions.
Grpahs :
1-Cl vs Time:

Figure 6 Cls vs Flow time

2-Cd vs Flow Time:

Figure 7 Cd vs Flow time


3-Vorticity Contours:

Figure 8 Vorticity Contours

3. Results:
3.1 Lift and Drag Characteristics: The simulations yielded lift and drag coefficients at various angles of
attack. The results highlight the airfoil's stall behavior, indicating the critical angle of attack where separation
occurs.
3.3 Flow Visualization: Flow visualization tools were employed to examine the development of vortices,
separation points, and other flow features. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for optimizing airfoil
designs for specific applications.
4. Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study comprehensively investigates the flow past a NACA 0012 airfoil using CFD
simulations. The results offer valuable insights into the airfoil's aerodynamic performance, shedding light on
lift and drag characteristics, pressure distribution, and flow patterns at different angles of attack. Engineers
and researchers can use these findings to enhance the design and efficiency of airfoils in various applications.
5. References:
1-Mittal, S., & Iaccarino, G. (2005). On the use of vortex-induced vibrations for flow control. Journal of Fluid
Mechanics, 540, 133-155.
2- Journal articles related to 2D cylinder flow simulations (e.g., International Journal of Numerical Methods
in Fluids, Computers & Fluids, Physics of Fluids)
3- Menter, F. R. (2014). Ten years of gamma Re-normalization turbulence modeling. AIAA Journal, 52(1),
242-262.

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