CFD for Engineering Applications

Mech Eng 4111 and 7045

Assignment A
Assignment A Due: 5:00 pm, 25th March, 2011

NOTE:
(a) The assignment MUST be submitted, in a HARD paper copy, no later than the deadline specified
above.
(b) A penalty may apply for late submission unless appropriate approval for extension is granted
before the due date.

Background and Aim

We wish to model the laminar flow in a channel of infinite depth. This 2D model also has a
broad range of applications in industry, such as HVAC and combustion.

The aims of simulating this model are:

1. To learn the process of creating a computational domain and generating and exporting a
mesh for quality CFD modelling.
2. To learn how to set boundary conditions and process a numerical model.
3. To explore the post-processing abilities of the CFD code to analyse numerical results.
4. To practice writing concise and well developed professional reports.

Problem Description

You are required to run a laminar flow simulation in a channel of infinite depth. The cross
section of the channel is an R-bend, and the width of the R-bend doubles through the bend as
shown in Figure 1.

Flow direction

Figure 1. 2-D geometry of the channel with an R-bend cross section

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The coordinates given for the geometry are dimensionless as they are normalised by the
characteristic length, H (m). Bear in mind that for the simulation, the characteristic length is the
inlet length. Therefore, the inlet length in non-dimensional form is

𝐻 𝐻
𝐻∗ = = =1
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐻

The fluid velocities at the velocity inlet are normalised by a characteristic velocity, H(m)/t(s).
The normalised inlet velocities are given as (we take t as 1 second):

Normalised inlet velocities:

∗
𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥 𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥
𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥 = = =1
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐻 𝑚 /𝑡(𝑠)

∗
𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑦 𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑦
𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑦 = = =0
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐻 𝑚 /𝑡(𝑠)

The fluid kinematic viscosity, which is normalised by the product of characteristic length, H, and
the characteristic velocity, H(m)/t(s). The normalised kinematic viscosity is:
𝜈
𝜐∗ =
𝐻(𝑚)
𝐻 𝑚
𝑡(𝑠)

From the definition of Reynolds number

∗ ∗ 𝐻(𝑚)
𝐻𝑢𝑖𝑛 .𝑥 𝐻 𝐻(𝑚)𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥 𝑡(𝑠) ∗
𝐻 ∗ 𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥
𝑅𝑒 = = =
𝜈 𝐻(𝑚) 𝜐 ∗
𝜈 ∗𝐻 𝑚
𝑡(𝑠)
∗
𝑢𝑖𝑛 ,𝑥 = 1
As H*=1, and , therefore, ν*=1/Re.

The outlet should be defined as an outflow and the other boundaries should be left as no-slip
walls. As turbulent flow is not considered, turbulent settings are neglected. There will be no heat
transfer within the system. Dimensions may have to be altered to ensure developed flow at the
outlet.

Instructions

1) Use ANSYS DesignModeler to create the R-bend cross section as shown above. Discretize
the geometry by creating a suitable mesh in ANSYS Mesh. Ensure that an adequate mesh
quality is achieved and provide explanations for regions that require further mesh refinement.

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2) Use ANSYS CFX to solve for the flow velocity and pressure at Reynolds Number Re=100.
Hint: you are recommended to
(1) Set the inlet characteristic length as 1m.
(2) Calculate inlet velocity.
(3) Calculate the non-dimensional kinematic viscosity using the Re number.
(4) Calculate the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
(5) Set the dynamic viscosity and density of the fluid.
(6) Define the new material in ANSYS CFX Setup and assign the appropriate
boundary conditions.
(7) Choose the appropriate solver.
(8) Run the CFX Solver for a converged solution.

3) Using ANSYS CFX Post plot the velocity and pressure contours and vectors for Re = 100.
Ensure that developed flow (or at the least non-reversed flow) is present at the outlet and
close-to-developed flow is present prior to the bend. Discuss any observed flow
characteristics.

4) Increase your current mesh density by increasing its fineness (and use the same flow settings
for Re = 100) and determine the sensitivity of the mesh fineness to reattachment point of the
recirculation zone. Discuss this change in reattachment location with the mesh refinement.

5) Using the refined mesh from step (4), perform simulations for Reynolds numbers of 50, 150
and 200. Compile your results and create a graph highlighting the relationship between
Reynolds number and reattachment point. Based on this graph, discuss the influence of
physical parameters (inlet velocity, viscosity) on the reattachment length. Provide your own
conclusion on this observation.