Fiches de cours

Numerical flow simulation

ME-474

Enseignant(s) :

Sawley Mark

Langue:

English

Summary

This course provides practical experience in the numerical simulation of fluid flows, comprising the three fundamental phases of pre-processing (geometry and mesh creation), computation (choice of physical models & numerical methods), and post-processing (quantitative analysis and visualization).

Content

Numerical flow simulation (or Computational Fluid Dynamics) is an essential component of modern fluid mechanics. The objective of this course is to use the student's existing knowledge in fluid mechanics and numerical methods as a basis for a global introduction to numerical flow simulation. An overview of the general theoretical concepts - such as mesh generation algorithms, turbulence modelling, resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations, scientific visualization - is provided in the lectures. State-of-the-art commercial and open-source software packages are used to study practical applications via worked flow cases and exercises. Course evaluation is based on written and oral presentations for three projects performed during the semester.

Keywords

Numerical simulation, Fluid mechanics, Mesh generation, Scientific visualization

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

• Fluid mechanics
• Numerical analysis
• Discretization methods (e.g. finite differences, finite elements, finite volumes)

Recommended courses

• ME-271 Fluid flow
• ME-343 Compressible fluid dynamics
• ME-371 Discretization methods in fluids

Important concepts to start the course

• Computer-aided design (CAD)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Describe the physical behaviour of a flow in scientific terms, AH1
• Link flow behaviour with non-dimensional parameters (e.g. Reynolds and Mach numbers), AH2
• Describe physical phenomena associated with compressibility; determine if a given flow can be treated as incompressible, AH3
• Describe in detail the physical phenomena associated with the interaction of a flow with a solid wall (as a function of its characteristics, e.g. roughness), AH5
• State the conserved quantities in a given flow and link them to a physical-mathematical description, AH13
• Define , describe and apply the basic flow equations, such as the Navier-Stokes equations, AH14
• Identify and apply the different steps in a numerical simulation (e.g. geometry and mesh generation, computation, post-processing) and integrate all the essential basic concepts in a numerical flow simulation, AH18
• Assess / Evaluate numerical accuracy as a function of the choice of simulation parameters, AH20
• Analyze numerical solutions and identify any inconsistencies with respect to physical reality; understand and apply the concepts of verification and validation, AH21
• Perform a numerical simulation with appropriate software; understand the limits of each software in terms of its application domain and accuracy of the results obtained, AH26
• Choose the appropriate turbulence model for a given turbulent flow, AH27

Transversal skills

• Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
• Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
• Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
• Evaluate one's own performance in the team, receive and respond appropriately to feedback.
• Identify the different roles that are involved in well-functioning teams and assume different roles, including leadership roles.
• Resolve conflicts in ways that are productive for the task and the people concerned.
• Assess one's own level of skill acquisition, and plan their on-going learning goals.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
• Write a literature review which assesses the state of the art.
• Write a scientific or technical report.

Teaching methods

Lectures, Practical exercises, Worked flows examples, Group projects.

The goal is to learn "hard skills" through the solving of example flow problems, reinforced by the numerical simulation of a challenging real-world problem. Significant importance will also be placed on "soft skills" such as writing reports, presenting orally, working in groups, and creativity in visual communication.

Expected student activities

• Participation in classroom (e.g. worked flow cases)
• Practical exercises (for apprenticeship of methods and software)
• Projects in groups (including written reports and oral presentations)

Assessment methods

Two project written reports (70%) and oral presentations (25%), self assessment (5%)

Supervision

Office hours	No
Assistants	Yes
Forum	No

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Yes

Bibliography

Course material is available on Moodle web site. Various reference texts

Moodle Link

• http://moodle.epfl.ch/course/view.php?id=126