Course Title: Computational Fluid Dynamics in Engineering Modelling

Part A: Course Overview

Course ID: 040170

Course Title: Computational Fluid Dynamics in Engineering Modelling

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MATH2175

City Campus

Undergraduate

145H Mathematical & Geospatial Sci

Face-to-Face

 Summer2007

Course Coordinator: Dr Yan Ding

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3217

Course Coordinator Email: yan.ding@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 8, Level 9, Office 19, City Campus


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

The prerequisites are MATH1141 and MATH1143 or their equivalents - the mathematics courses undertaken by first year science and engineering students at RMIT. A second year mathematics course in Numerical Methods would be an advantage but is not essential.


Course Description

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Engineering Modelling aims to develop a high level of expertise in the use of the popular commercial CFD software, ANSYS/Fluent and/or ANSYS/CFX , as a virtual fluid laboratory, in engineering modelling. The course introduces the underlying physics and the governing equations of fluid dynamics, and the mathematical concepts of the numerical approximations to these equations, through study of the Finite Volume Method. The solution procedure of solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics as a set of discretised algebraic equations are explained through step by step calculations. To further enhance students’ learning, the commercial CFD codes, ANSYS/Fluent and/or ANSYS/CFX , are used to simulate laminar and turbulent flows, as well as Newtonian and Non-Newtonian flows, as these flows are relevant to the professional practices in a wide range of disciplines, such as chemical, civil, mechanical, aerospace, and geological engineering, architecture design, physics, and biology. The use of commercial CFD packages provides students with hands-on practices. Students will learn the process of CFD modelling, including the geometry and grid generation, solution algorithm selection, and results evaluation. The course emphasis is on the development of students’ abilities in applying the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and CFD techniques in solving viscous internal and external flows, ranging from flow of fluids/gases through piping systems to flow of air around an object, such as a building or a motor vehicle.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The course will develop your Technical Competence capability. Upon successful completion of this course, you should:

  • Possess a good understanding of the physics of fluid mechanics and the governing equations of fluid dynamics.
  • Possess a good understanding of the mathematical concepts of the Finite Volume Method and the numerical solution procedure of solving these governing equations.
  • Be able to use the commercial CFD packages ANSYS/Fluent and/or ANSYS/CFX to construct  models and solve a selected range of engineering problems.
  • Develop abilities in optimising the performance of the solution algorithm and the proper use of techniques to reduce the level of complexity in modelling.
  • Develop an ability to critically access and evaluate CFD results using a range of techniques.
  • Be able to communicate effectively in writing (both textually and graphically) to report the method used, the implementation and the numerical results obtained.
  • Be able to discuss the accuracy of the numerical solutions.

Capabilities that you will learn, develop and exercise in this course are:

Problem solving and decision-making capacity such as:

  • Ability to solve engineering problems using commercial software such as ANSYS/Fluent and/or ANSYS/CFX .

Profession skills capacity such as:

  • Ability to apply the course work effectively, as an individual, and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
  • Ability to complete course work on time, and to meet set deadlines

Communication capacity skills such as:

  • Effective communication skill in writing of reports (both textually and graphically).

Lifelong learning capacity such as:

  • Ability to undertake self-directed study.



Overview of Learning Activities

The underlying theory of the Finite Volume Method and its applications in Computational Fluid Dynamics will be explained and illustrated in lectures. Computational laboratory sessions will reinforce the content covered in lectures and in your personal study. The laboratory sessions are designed to reinforce the theory presented in lectures and you in completing the assignments using the commercial CFD packages ANSYS/Fluent and/or ANSYS/CFX.


Overview of Learning Resources

Learning is undertaken with weekly lectures, computer laboratory work, web access and consultation with reference texts and selected engineering journals.

Online lecture notes, computer laboratory tutorials, assignment papers, and selected literature will be posted on the course Distributed Learning System (DLS) as the course progresses.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment consists of the following components:

  • Three assignments using the commercial CFD package ANSYS/Fluent.
  • One project using either ANSYS/Fluent or/and ANSYS/CFX

Your performance in the assignments and project will be assessed based on the accuracy of technical computations, clarity and thoroughness.

Part B of the course guide provides specific details on the assessment criteria and the weight attached to each assignment.