Computational Fluid Dynamics - Fundamentals and Practical Applications (MS298)

SynopsisThis is a course of continuing education for engineers wishing to acquire or update the expertise in engineering research and product development using the virtual simulation technique of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Aided by the rapid development in numerical solutions and hardware, CFD has been growing in significance. With a sound understanding and the appropriate use of the technology, CFD is generally accepted as a valid research and analysis tool. It has a reach extending far beyond its traditional domains of mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

From the perspective of the end users, the common goal remains to be the capacity to predict fluid flow and heat transfer quantities in their industry-specific problems with a level of accuracy appropriate to their needs. By delivering the essential, fundamental knowledge of CFD and some practical aspects on its implementation in industry, the aim of this course is to develop the ability of the participants to discern and correctly apply the various numerical schemes for different flow conditions.

It is expected that one major outcome from this course is to acquire the capability and confidence in initiating and subsequently, executing CFD as part of the engineering design cycle in his/her industry. Given the wide appeal of CFD, this course has been tailored in versatility to suit engineers from different industries. Practical cases of study from different industries will also be used to highlight and relate theories, analysis and techniques to real engineering systems.

The course instructor will draw on his own academic and industrial experience to illustrate the subject matter with practical examples.

What You Will Learn

• Essential and fundamental concepts of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Management of a CFD plan (planning, execution and close-off)
• Adopting and implementing best practices and/or guidelines in CFD
• Using commercial and industrial grade CFD tools to solve some practical engineering problems

Who Should Attend

• Mechanical engineers and designers
• Product development and/or research engineers
• Aeronautical engineers
• Automotive engineers
• Thermal engineers

PrerequisiteTechnical background or working experience, preferably in a research or product development capacity, in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace or automotive related engineering disciplines.

Although the participants are not required to have in-depth knowledge in this field, some prior acquaintance with the background and experience in fluid dynamics and computer programming would be beneficial.

Course MethodologyThis course is conducted in a seminar room. Each participant will receive a set of course materials.

Course Duration3 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

• Introduction to fluid mechanics and heat transfer
• Introduction to computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Classical turbulence modelling (RANS)
• CFD lifecycle analysis (pre-processing, solver and post-processing)

1. Pre-processing: Grid generation (CAD)
2. Post-processing: Data analysis through visualisation

• Tutorial: Familiarisation with CFD tools

1. CAD grid generation
2. CFD pre-processing
3. CFD solver
4. CFD post-processing

• Managing CFD as part of a Design Engineering cycle
• Making sense of some important aspects of a CFD analysis:

1. Errors and uncertainties in CFD simulations
2. Verification assessment
3. Validation assessment

• High performance computing for CFD
• Practical case study: External aerodynamics using a sample automotive application

• CFD guidelines and best practices
• Advanced CFD topics:

1. Advanced turbulence models (LES, DNS)
2. Conjugate heat transfer
3. Multi-phase (Volume-of-Fluids)

• Practical cases of study:

1. Thermal management for electronic enclosures
2. Wave loads in offshore structures