Computational Fluid Dynamics Theory & Principles Flashcards

What is the primary goal of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)?

Answer: To predict fluid flow behavior through numerical simulations

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flows. Its primary goal is to predict and visualize how fluids (liquids and gases) behave under various conditions, such as pressure, temperature, and velocity, by simulating their movement and interactions. This allows engineers to design and optimize systems without extensive physical prototyping.

Which equation forms the foundation of CFD for incompressible flow?

Answer: Navier-Stokes equations

The Navier-Stokes equations are fundamental to CFD as they mathematically describe the conservation of momentum and mass for viscous fluids. For incompressible flow, these equations, along with the continuity equation, form the core set of partial differential equations that CFD solvers discretize and solve to predict fluid behavior.

Why is mesh quality important in CFD analysis?

Answer: To enhance result accuracy and numerical stability

Mesh quality is crucial because it directly impacts the accuracy and stability of CFD simulations. A high-quality mesh, with well-shaped and appropriately sized cells, minimizes numerical errors and ensures that the discretized equations accurately represent the continuous fluid flow, preventing non-physical results or solver divergence.

What is the purpose of turbulence modeling in CFD?

Answer: To approximate turbulent flows without resolving all details

Turbulence modeling is necessary in CFD to approximate the complex, chaotic nature of turbulent flows without resolving every minute detail. Directly simulating all turbulent scales (Direct Numerical Simulation) is computationally too expensive for most engineering applications, so models like RANS or LES are used to capture the average effects of turbulence efficiently.

Which method is commonly used to solve CFD equations numerically?

Answer: Finite Volume Method

The Finite Volume Method (FVM) is widely used in CFD because it inherently ensures the conservation of quantities like mass, momentum, and energy over each discrete control volume (cell). This property makes FVM robust and physically consistent for a broad range of fluid flow problems, leading to reliable numerical solutions.

What does convergence mean in CFD simulations?

Answer: The solution has reached a stable state

Convergence in CFD simulations signifies that the iterative solution process has reached a stable state where the calculated variables (e.g., velocity, pressure, temperature) no longer change significantly between iterations. This indicates that the numerical solution has satisfied the governing equations to a specified tolerance, providing a reliable result.

What role does boundary condition play in CFD modeling?

Answer: They define fluid behavior at the domain boundaries

Boundary conditions are essential in CFD modeling as they define the fluid's behavior at the edges of the computational domain. They provide the necessary information, such as inlet velocities, outlet pressures, or wall temperatures, that dictate how the fluid interacts with its surroundings and enable the solver to find a unique solution to the governing equations.

Which property of fluid flow does Reynolds number describe?

Answer: Flow regime and transition

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes the flow regime of a fluid, indicating whether it will be laminar or turbulent. It represents the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces, providing a critical criterion for predicting the transition from smooth, orderly flow to chaotic, mixing flow.

Why are residuals monitored during CFD simulation?

Answer: To check for solution convergence

Residuals are monitored during CFD simulations to check for solution convergence. They represent the imbalance in the discretized governing equations for each cell; as the solution converges, these residuals decrease to a small, acceptable level, indicating that the equations are being satisfied and the solution is stable.