Fluid flow simulations-FLUENT settings to be used for all the 3D

simulations
The purpose of this document is to list down the various settings to be used for
fluid flow simulations. First of all, we will be using a pressure-based, transient
solver. Also, energy equation must be enabled.
Turbulence model & associated settings for density, viscosity, etc:
For the competition-level scaled down POD, we can use Standard k-epsilon
model with standard wall functions can be used. We can also investigate the
changes by using enhanced wall treatment instead. This model cannot be
used for speeds of Mach1. For this, constant density of 1.225 kg/m3 and a
Sutherlands law for viscosity can be used.
In case we are simulating for Mach1, we need to stick to inviscid model since
at high speeds, viscous effects will be negligible. In this case, settings for
viscosity is not required and ideal gas law for density can be enabled.
Boundary Conditions(BCs)
An important thing to note is the fact that the CAD model used for Structural
simulations cannot be used for Fluid flow simulations. For Fluid flow, we need to
extrude half-model of the structural POD from a cuboidal domain as can be seen
from FIG.1 below. Also, the thickness of the CAD model should be sufficient to
avoid far-field effects. However, in case the thickness is too large, the number
of grid cells will increase rapidly leading to very high computational
requirements. Also, in case we are simulating the Boundary layer effects due to
the close proximity between the POD and the tube around the POD, the shape
should be a half cylinder instead of a cuboid. In that case, the curved portion of
the half cylinder will be equivalent to an ensemble of TOP, BEHIND FACE and
BOTTOM.
BEHIND
FACE

INLE
T

TOP

OUTLE
T

WAL

FRONT
FACE

BOTTO

FIG. 1 An illustration of the kind of CAD model needed to be developed and the
associated boundaries
The left most face is INLET. On this face, a Velocity Inlet BC with a x-component
velocity of ___ m/s with turbulence intensity of 10 % and turbulence viscosity
ratio of 10% can be used. Note that these are for Standard k-epsilon model. For
inviscid model, no need of specifying any turbulence parameters.
The right most face is OUTLET. On this face, a Pressure outlet BC with gauge
pressure = 0 Pa can be used with backflow turbulence parameters same as in
the case of INLET. In case of inviscid model, again, there is no need to specify
any turbulence parameters.
The faces TOP, BOTTOM, BEHIND FACE, need to be subjected to Wall BC. Now,
there are two cases here1) If the dimensions of the outer domain are closer to the tube dimensions,
then, we are also simulating the Boundary layer effects because of the
close proximity of the POD to the tube. In that case, we need to use a
Moving wall BC with speed = -(speed of the POD for which we are
simulating) m/s
2) In case we are neglecting the effects of the boundary layer and instead
simulating just the flow around the solid body, we need to use Stationary
wall BC
In both these cases, we can simulate for adiabatic wall, i.e., on the Thermal
tab on the Wall, we need to specify Heat flux = 0 W/m 2.
Solution methods
SIMPLE scheme for Pressure-velocity coupling, Second-order discretisation
schemes for Momentum, Turbulent KE and Turbulent dissipation rate, Second
order scheme for Pressure, Least Squares Cell based gradient scheme
Solution Controls
Under-relaxation factors (URFs) affect the convergence. Since ours is a
complicated geometry with high speeds, we need to reduce the URFs. Use the
following valuesPressure=0.2; Density=0.8;Body forces=0.8;Momentum=0.5;Turbulent
KE=0.6;Turbulent dissipation rate=0.6; Turbulent viscosity=0.8;Energy=0.8
Monitors
Set Drag and Lift coefficient monitors. For drag, it is going to act in the direction
of velocity, which is opposite to the nose of the POD in our case. So, for FIG. 1,
the direction of velocity is ve Z-direction. So, force vector is (X=0;Y=0;Z=-1).
For lift, it is (X=0;Y=1;Z=0).

And regarding convergence criteria, use 1e-03 for all the parameters except for
energy equation, for which, 5e-05 should suffice.
Use Standard Initialization. Initialize gauge pressure =0 Pa; X-velocity=___m/s;
Y-,Z-velocity=0 m/s; Turbulent KE, Turbulent Dissipation rate =1; Temperature
=300K
Finally, use a time step of 1e-03 atleast and run for atleast 1000 timesteps.
In case the solution diverges
Reduce the time step size, Under-relaxation factors for the equation which is
diverging.
Cheers!