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Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Teaching Fluid Mechanics

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a tool that allows the solution of fluid flow problems numerically by the use of computers. Its development is derived mainly by i) its use in the academia and research institutions for the inevitable need for understanding complicated flow phenomena where experimental and theoretical approaches either are not possible or do not provide enough insight, ii) its use in the industry via commercial software for an economical speed up of the design process. The use of CFD in engineering education is mostly limited to graduate level courses where the mathematical background necessary to write CFD programs is taught. Although recent undergraduate level fluid mechanics books involve CFD related chapters, references indicating the use of CFD as an undergraduate level teaching aid are limited.

This paper is about the possible use of CFD in teaching undergraduate level fluid mechanics. In the first part, the topics of a typical fluid mechanics course that may be supported with CFD are investigated. In the second part the tools necessary and suitable for the efficient use of CFD in teaching fluid mechanics are examined and a CFD software called Virtual Flow Lab developed by the authors is introduced and its capabilities and potential use for educational purposes are discussed.

Introduction

In many engineering departments students take their first fluid mechanics course in their second or third year. Although for some of the departments a single semester course is enough, usually undergraduate level fluid mechanics is taught as a two semester course. Typical outline of a two semester fluid mechanics course is given below

1. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Properties 2. Fluid Statics 3. Integral Analysis of Fluid Motion (conservation of mass, momentum and energy) 4. Bernoulli Equation 5. Fluid Kinematics 6. Differential Analysis of Fluid Motion 7. Similitude and Dimensional Analysis 8. Viscous Flows in Pipes and Channels 9. Flow over Immersed Bodies 10. Introduction to Compressible Flow 11. Introduction to Turbomachines

Due to the inherent complexity of fluid motion, fluid flow problems require a different viewpoint compared to solid mechanics problems. Understanding the topics like continuum assumption and its validity, proper comprehension of the field concept such as the velocity or the pressure field, making the switch from the classical Lagrangian approach, which is taught in earlier statics and

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Sert, C., & Nakiboglu, G. (2007, June), Use Of Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd) In Teaching Fluid Mechanics Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2351