COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

CHAPTER- 5 What is CFD?

5.1 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
CFD is one of the approaches to the study of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the millions of calculations required to simulate the interaction of fluids with the complex surfaces used in engineering. However, even with simplified equations and high speed supercomputers, only approximate solutions can be achieved in many cases. More accurate codes that can accurately and quickly simulate even complex scenarios such as supersonic or turbulent flows are an ongoing area of research. The governing equations are classified into two types namely conservation and non conservation forms of equations based on how these equations are obtained. The conservation forms of governing equations are obtained by considering the element to be fixed in space, while the non conservation forms of governing equations are obtained by assuming the element to be moving with the flow. 5.2 Governing equations of a Inviscid flow: Inviscid flow is a flow where the dissipative phenomenon of viscosity is considered negligible. The governing equations for an unsteady, three dimensional, compressible for inviscid flow are: 5.2.1 Continuity Equations: Non conservation form: Conservation form: 5.2.2 Momentum Equations Non conservation form:x component: y component:

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z component: Conservation form x component: y component: z component: 5.2.3 Energy equations: Non conservation form ( Conservation form ( ) ( ) )

5.3 Governing equations of a Viscous flow: A viscous flow is one where the phenomenon of friction is included. This phenomenon is dissipative-it always increases the entropy of flow. The governing equations for a steady three dimensional, compressible, viscous flow are: 5.3.1 Continuity Equations: Non conservation form: Conservation form 5.3.2 Momentum Equations-: Non conservation form: x component: y component: z component: Conservation form:

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x component: y component: z component: 5.3.3 Energy equations: Non conservation form: (

( )

)
(

) (

(
)

)
(

(
)

(
(

)
)

Conservation form: ( ) ( ) ( ( ) ) ( ( ) ) ( ( ) ) ( ) ( )

5.4 Discretization Methods in CFD There are three widely used discretization methods in CFD: 1. Finite difference method (FDM) 2. Finite volume method (FVM) 3. Finite element method (FEM) Finite volume method (FVM): In finite volume method (FVM), discretization is based upon an integral form of the PDE to be solved (e.g. conservation of mass, momentum, or energy). The PDE is written in a form which can be solved for a given finite volume (or cell). The computational domain is discretized into finite volumes and then for every volume the 3 governing equations are solved in all directions. The resulting system of equations usually involves fluxes of the conserved variable, and thus the calculation of fluxes is very important in FVM. The basic advantage of this method over FDM is it does not require the use of structured grids, as with the resulting approximate solution is a discrete, but the variables are typically placed at cell centers rather than at nodal points.

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In FVM non conservation form denotes the moving element(control volume and fluid element) in space where as the conservation form denotes the element (control volume and fluid element) fixed in space.

5.5 Structures of CFD Codes

CFD codes are structured around the numerical algorithms that can be tackle fluid problems. In order to provide easy access to their solving power all commercial CFD packages include sophisticated user interfaces input problem parameters and to examine the results. Hence all codes contain three main elements: 1. Pre-processing. 2. Solver 3. Post-processing. 5.5.1 Pre-Processing: This is the first step in building and analyzing a flow model. Preprocessor consist of input of a flow problem by means of an operator friendly interface and subsequent transformation of this input into form of suitable for the use by the solver. The user activities at the Pre-processing stage involve: Definition of the geometry of the region: The computational domain. Grid generation the subdivision of the domain into a number of smaller, non-overlapping sub domains (or control volumes or elements Selection of physical or chemical phenomena that need to be modeled). Definition of fluid properties Specification of appropriate boundary conditions at cells, which coincide with or touch the boundary. The solution of a flow problem (velocity, pressure, temperature etc.) is defined at nodes inside each cell. The accuracy of CFD solutions is governed by number of cells in the grid. The larger numbers of cells better the solution accuracy. GAMBIT (CFD PREPROCESSOR): GAMBIT is a state-of-the-art preprocessor for engineering analysis. With advanced geometry and meshing tools in a powerful, flexible, tightly-integrated, and easy-to use interface, GAMBIT can dramatically reduce preprocessing times for many applications. Complex models can be built directly within GAMBITs solid geometry modeler, or imported from any major CAD/CAE

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system. Using a virtual geometry overlay and advanced cleanup tools, imported geometries are quickly converted into suitable flow domains. A comprehensive set of highly-automated and size function driven meshing tools ensures that the best mesh can be generated, whether structured, multiblock, unstructured, or hybrid. 5.5.2 Solver-: The CFD solver does the flow calculations and produces the results. FLUENT, FloWizard, FIDAP, CFX and POLYFLOW are some of the types of solvers. FLUENT is used in most industries. FloWizard is the first general-purpose rapid flow modeling tool for design and process engineers built by Fluent. POLYFLOW (and FIDAP) are also used in a wide range of fields, with emphasis on the materials processing industries. FLUENT and CFX two solvers were developed independently by ANSYS and have a number of things in common, but they also have some significant differences. Both are control-volume based for high accuracy and rely heavily on a pressure-based solution technique for broad applicability. They differ mainly in the way they integrate the fluid flow equations and in their equation solution strategies. The CFX solver uses finite elements (cell vertex numerics), similar to those used in mechanical analysis, to discretize the domain. In contrast, the FLUENT solver uses finite volumes (cell centered numerics). While the FLUENT product offers several solution approaches (density-, segregatedand coupled-pressure-based methods) The FLUENT CFD code has extensive interactivity, so we can make changes to the analysis at any time during the process. This saves time and enables to refine designs more efficiently. In addition, FLUENT's adaptive and dynamic mesh capability is unique and works with a wide range of physical models. This capability makes it possible and simple to model complex moving objects in relation to flow. This solver provides the broadest range of rigorous physical models that have been validated against industrial scale applications, so we can accurately simulate real-world conditions, including multiphase flows, reacting flows, rotating equipment, moving and deforming objects, turbulence, radiation, acoustics and dynamic meshing. The FLUENT solver has repeatedly proven to be fast and reliable for a wide range of CFD applications. The numerical solution of NavierStokes equations in CFD codes usually implies a discretization method: it means that derivatives in partial differential equations are approximated by algebraic expressions which can be alternatively obtained by means of the finite-difference or the finite-element method. Because the governing equations are non-linear and coupled, several iterations of the solution loop must be performed before a converged solution is obtained and each of the iteration is carried out as follows:

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(1) Fluid properties are updated in relation to the current solution; if the calculation is at the first iteration, the fluid properties are updated consistent with the initialized solution. (2) The three momentum equations are solved consecutively using the current value for pressure so as to update the velocity field. (3) Since the velocities obtained in the previous step may not satisfy the continuity equation, one more equation for the pressure correction is derived from the continuity equation and the linearized momentum equations: once solved, it gives the correct pressure so that continuity is satisfied. The pressurevelocity coupling is made by the SIMPLE algorithm, as in FLUENT default options. Set the solution parameters

Initialize the solution

Enable the solution monitors of interest

Calculate the solution Modify solution parameters or grid Check for convergence

Yes Check for accuracy

No

Yes Stop

No

Fig5.1: Flow chart of numerical approach used by simulation softwares

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(4) Other equations for scalar quantities such as turbulence, chemical species and radiation are solved using the previously updated value of the other variables; when inter-phase coupling is to be considered, the source terms in the appropriate continuous phase equations have to be updated with a discrete phase trajectory calculation. (5) Finally, the convergence of the equations set is checked and all the procedure is repeated until convergence criteria is met.

5.5.3 Post-Processing: This is the final step in CFD analysis, and it involves the organization and interpretation of the predicted flow data and the production of CFD images and animations. Fluent's software includes full post processing capabilities. FLUENT exports CFD's data to third-party postprocessors and visualization tools such as Ensight, Field view and TechPlot as well as to VRML formats. In addition, FLUENT CFD solutions are easily coupled with structural codes such as ABAQUS, MSC and ANSYS, as well as to other engineering process simulation tools. Thus FLUENT is general-purpose computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ideally suited for incompressible and mildly compressible flows. Utilizing a pressure-based segregated finitevolume method solver, FLUENT contains physical models for a wide range of applications including turbulent flows, heat transfer, reacting flows, chemical mixing, combustion, and multiphase flows. FLUENT provides physical models on unstructured meshes, bringing you the benefits of easier problem setup and greater accuracy using solution-adaptation of the mesh. FLUENT is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package to simulate fluid flow problems. It uses the finite-volume method to solve the governing equations for a fluid. It provides the capability to use different physical models such as incompressible or compressible, inviscid or viscous, laminar or turbulent, etc. Geometry and grid generation is done using GAMBIT which is the preprocessor bundled with FLUENT. Owing to increased popularity of engineering work stations, many of which has outstanding graphics capabilities, the leading CFD are now equipped with versatile data visualization tools. These include Domain geometry & Grid display. Vector plots. Line & shaded contour plots. 2D & 3D surface plots.

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Particle tracking. View manipulation (translation, rotation, scaling etc.)

INPUT GEOMETRY

CREATE A MESH

DEFINE BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

REFINE THE MESH

RUN THE SIMULATION

INTERPRET THE RESULTS

Fig 5.2: Flow chart for the modeling process

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5.6 TURBULENCE MODELLING A turbulence model or turbulence closure is a means of approximating the Reynolds stresses (and other turbulent fluxes) in order to close the mean-flow equations. Selecting a suitable turbulence model for simulations can be a challenging task. For attached flows close to the design point a simple algebraic model like the Baldwin-Lomax model can be used. Another common choice for design-iteration type of simulations is the oneequation model by Spalart-Allmaras. This model has become more popular in the last years due to the many inherent problems in more refined two-equation models. The big advantage with both the Baldwin-Lomax model and the Spalart-Allmaras model over more advanced models is that they are very robust to use and rarely produce completely unphysical results. In order to accurately predict more difficult cases, like separating flows, rotating flows, flows strongly affected by secondary flows etc. it is often necessary to use a more refined turbulence model. Common choices are two-equation models like the k- model.

Different types of turbulence models 5.6.1 K-epsilon model-:

The K-epsilon model is one of the most common turbulence models, although it just doesn't perform well in cases of large adverse pressure gradients. It is a two equation model, which means, it includes two extra transport equations to represent the turbulent properties of the flow. This allows a two equation model to account for history effects like convection and diffusion of turbulent energy. The first transported variable is turbulent kinetic energy K. The second transported variable in this case is the turbulent dissipation it is the variable that determines the scale of the

turbulence, whereas the first variable, K, determines the energy in the turbulence. Equations for transport k-epsilon model For turbulent kinetic energy K * +

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For dissipation * +

Turbulent Viscosity-:

5.6.2 K-omega model-:

The K-omega model is one of the most common turbulence models. It is a two equation model that means, it includes two extra transport equations to represent the turbulent properties of the flow. This allows a two equation model to account for history effects like convection and diffusion of turbulent energy. The first transported variable is turbulent kinetic energy K. The second transported variable in this case is the specific dissipation, . It is the variable that determines the scale of the turbulence, whereas the first variable, K, determines the energy in the turbulence. Equations for transport k-omega model Turbulence kinetic energy

Specific Dissipation Rate

Kinematic eddy viscosity

=59; =0.075;

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5.6.3 Spalart-Allmaras:Spalart-Allmaras model is a one equation model which solves a transport equation for a viscosity-like variable . This may be referred to as the Spalart-Allmaras variable. Turbulent Eddy viscosity is given by Where

| }

]( )

5.6.4 Reynolds stress model:The Reynoldss stress model (RSM) is a higher level, elaborate turbulence model. It is usually called a Second Order Closure. In RSM, the eddy viscosity approach has been discarded and the Reynolds stresses are directly computed. The exact Reynolds stress transport equation accounts for the directional effects of the Reynolds stress fields. The Reynolds stress model involves calculation of the individual Reynolds stresses, using

differential transport equations. The individual Reynolds stresses are then used to obtain closure of the Reynolds-averaged momentum equation. The exact transport equations for the transport of the Reynolds stresses, , may be written as follows:

) ) ) + *

) (

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We chose Spalart-Allamaras model for our viscous interactions because it is a single variable model which uses only one equation by which solution can be easily obtained without much difficulty.

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