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 (http://www.engr.uconn.edu/~barbertj/CFD
%20Training/Fluent/4%20Solver%20Settings.pdfsolver. 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.

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 here-

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

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 values-

Pressure=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.

In case none of this works out, contact me @balav94

Cheers!