Computational fluid dynamics
Part of the Wikiversity Division of Fluid Mechanics, Division of Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and the Engineering and Technology Portal

Objectives
editIntroduces novice learners to applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) appropriately, instilling confidence that their computational results are reliable. Focus will be on:
- Computation of fluid dynamics using open-source software (OpenFOAM).
- Analysis of computational results within data-friendly ecosystem (Python).
- Validation & Verification of computational results.
CFD applications
edit- Fuel efficiency
- Fire modelling
- Climate change
- More listed on CFD Online.
Introduction
editCFD relies on some mathematical & discretisation techniques to be able to make the equations governing fluid motion solvable on a computer. Review this quick-and-dirty introduction to the basics underlying CFD for an overview of these techniques.
Conceptual review
editSuggestion to review of the above conceptual material then consolidate these by explaining what each particular technique represents. In other words, what does each step mean and/or do?
- Finite-volume method.
- Iterative solving.
- Convergence.
- Grid sensitivity.
- Turbulence modelling.
Practical review
editSuggestion to check out a tutorial introducing OpenFOAM. This demonstration will give you an overview of the CFD process. Focus will be on:
- Linux environment.
- Basic setup of 'case'.
- Mesh quality.
- Boundary conditions.
- Computation using 3 different meshes.
- Analysis of the computational results.
Further learning
editOther helpful material include:
- YouTube | Fluid Mechanics 101: lecture-type videos providing up-to-date aspects of CFD.
- NPTEL | Chemical Engineering |Computational Fluid Dynamics: lecture-type videos providing fundamentals of CFD.
- Wikipedia | Computational Fluid Dynamics
- OpenFOAM | User Guide