Using Computational Fluid Dynamics To Excite Undergraduate Students About Fluid Mechanics

David Pines
2004 Annual Conference Proceedings   unpublished
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been included in the junior-level Thermal-Fluids Engineering course at the University of Hartford. The laboratory modules consist of analyzing entrance length region of a pipe, a sudden contraction, and an orifice using Fluent 6.1. Twodimensional mesh files are given to the students because it is felt that students should concentrate on understanding the fluid flow characteristics and not spend time learning how to create and mesh the models. Students are
more » ... equired to enter input parameters such as viscous model, fluid properties, and boundary conditions. The system's velocity and pressure characteristics are then analyzed using vector, contour, and x-y plots. Feedback from students has indicated that the fluid visualization post processing tools (i.e., vector and contour output plots) gets them interested in the project and motivates them to do a thorough analysis of how changes in Reynolds number affects the fluid characteristics of the system. Furthermore, it is felt that an early introduction to CFD may inspire some students to take more advanced fluid mechanic courses or go to graduate school.
doi:10.18260/1-2--12740 fatcat:lnyexze2vvhkzi2tbzyloa6qku