Advanced CFD - 2025 entry

The governing equations of fluid mechanics, the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE), are complex and non-linear, and thus cannot be solved analytically for anything but the simplest possible cases. To solve more complex problems of real engineering interest, we typically use computational methods, solving the NSE, or equations derived from these, numerically using high performance computers. This is known as Computational Fluid Dynamics, or CFD, and is now a key tool in the development and design of almost any product which involves fluids, including but not limited to; cars, aircraft, ships, engines and power plants, renewable energy devices such as wind or tidal turbines, and many others beside. CFD can be extended to incorporate other physical processes; multiphase flow, chemical reactions and combustion, interaction with deforming or rigid structures; and can thus be applied to analyse problems in a range of industries in areas such as chemical engineering and biomedical problems. 

 

Practical work and theory go hand in hand on this 100% coursework module, building on your experience of CFD gained in last year's Computational Engineering module (ENG3005). You will learn about the mathematical modelling of turbulence and other physical effects in CFD, numerical and coding aspects of the numerical solution of these equations, and the practical application of CFD to real-world Engineering problems, particularly through the module-length miniproject (topics developed through discussion with the module leader) and external guest speakers. The module includes an introduction to the use of the open source CFD code OpenFOAM. 

 

Prerequisite module: ENG3005 or equivalent 

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education   

 

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  

 

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets): 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge 

 

1. Formulate and analyse complex fluid dynamics problems to reach substantiated conclusions (M2) 

 

2.  Select and apply appropriate Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques to model complex fluid flow problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M3) 

 

3. Describe the use of CFD techniques in a variety of professional engineering contexts. 

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:  

 

4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems in fluid dynamics (M4) 

 

5.  Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (mandatory for MSc Water Engineering) (M12) 

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

 

6. Independently direct your learning and work towards a defined goal; 

 

7. Process and utilise information from a range of sources, including academic journals and technical publications. 

The module content is intended to be somewhat flexible to reflect changes from year to year in current research activity, particularly through a programme of guest speakers, but would contain the following: 

 

- numerics for CFD: FV method, differencing schemes, solution algorithms, matrix inversion; 

 

- turbulence modelling: RANS, Reynolds Stress and LES methods; 

 

- multiphase flow: dispersed and free-surface flows; simulation techniques including Lagrangian particle tracking, Eulerian two phase models and Volume of Fluid, multiphysics modelling 

 

- meshing using various tools including snappyHexMesh, mesh motion; applications in mixer vessels, IC engines