17.

0 Release

Module 01: Overview of the CFD Process

Introduction to ANSYS Fluent

1 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc. April 12, 2016

 Introduction
Lecture Theme:
All CFD simulations follow the same key stages. This lecture will explain how to
go from the original planning stage to analyzing the end results

Learning Aims:
You will learn:
• The basics of what CFD is and how it works
• The different steps involved in a successful CFD project

Learning Objectives:
When you begin your own CFD project, you will know what each of the steps
requires and be able to plan accordingly

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

2 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 What is CFD?
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the science of predicting fluid flow, heat and mass
transfer, chemical reactions, and related phenomena.
To predict these phenomena, CFD solves equations for conservation of mass,
momentum, energy etc..
CFD can provide detailed information on the CFD is used in all stages of the engineering
fluid flow behavior: process:
• Distribution of pressure, velocity, temperature, etc. • Conceptual studies of new designs
• Forces like Lift, Drag.. (external flows, Aero, Auto..) • Detailed product development
• Distribution of multiple phases (gas-liquid, gas- • Optimization
solid..) • Troubleshooting
• Species composition (reactions, combustion, • Redesign
pollutants..)
• Much more... CFD analysis complements testing and experimentation by reducing
total effort and cost required for experimentation and data acquisition
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

3 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 How Does CFD Work?

ANSYS CFD solvers are based on the finite volume method

Control
• Domain is discretized into a finite set of control volumes Volume*
• General conservation (transport) equations for mass, momentum, energy,
species, etc. are solved on this set of control volumes

Equation 
Continuity 1
X momentum u
Unsteady Convection Diffusion Generation Y momentum v
Z momentum w
• Partial differential equations are discretized into a system of algebraic equations Energy h

• All algebraic equations are then solved numerically to render the solution field

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

4 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 1. Define Your Modeling Goals
• What results are you looking for (i.e. pressure drop, mass flow rate), and
how will they be used?

• What are your modeling options?

• What simplifying assumptions can you make (i.e. symmetry, periodicity)?
• What simplifying assumptions do you have to make?
• What physical models will need to be included in your analysis

• What degree of accuracy is required?

• How quickly do you need the results?

• Is CFD an appropriate tool?

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

5 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 2. Identify the Domain You Will Model

• How will you isolate a piece of the

complete physical system?

• Where will the computational domain

begin and end? Domain of Interest
− Do you have boundary condition information at as Part of a Larger
these boundaries? System (not modeled)
− Can the boundary condition types accommodate
that information?
− Can you extend the domain to a point where
reasonable data exists?

• Can it be simplified or approximated as a Domain of interest

2D or axi-symmetric problem? isolated and meshed
for CFD simulation.
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

6 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 3. Create a Solid Model of the Domain

• How will you obtain a model of the fluid region?

− Make use of existing CAD models?
− Extract the fluid region from a solid part?
− Create from scratch?
• Can you simplify the geometry?
− Remove unnecessary features that would complicate meshing Original CAD Part
(fillets, bolts…)?
− Make use of symmetry or periodicity?
• Are both the flow and boundary conditions symmetric /
periodic?
• Do you need to split the model so that boundary
conditions or domains can be created? Extracted
Fluid Region
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

7 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 4. Design and Create the Mesh

• What degree of mesh resolution is required in each region of

the domain?
− Can you predict regions of high gradients?
• The mesh must resolve geometric features of interest and capture
gradients of concern, e.g. velocity, pressure, temperature gradients
− Will you use adaption to add resolution?
• What type of mesh is most appropriate?
− How complex is the geometry?
− Can you use a quad/hex mesh or is a tri/tet or hybrid mesh suitable?
− Are non-conformal interfaces needed?
• Do you have sufficient computer resources?
− How many cells/nodes are required?
− How many physical models will be used?
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

8 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 5. Set Up the Solver

• For a given problem, you will need to:

− Define material properties
• Fluid
• Solid
• Mixture
− Select appropriate physical models
• Turbulence, combustion, multiphase, etc.
− Prescribe operating conditions
For complex problems solving a
− Prescribe boundary conditions at all boundary zones simplified or 2D problem will provide
− Provide initial values or a previous solution valuable experience with the models and
solver settings for your problem in a
− Set up solver controls
short amount of time
− Set up convergence monitors
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution

Post-Processing Summary

9 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 6. Compute the Solution
• The discretized conservation equations are solved
iteratively until convergence
• Convergence is reached when:
− Changes in solution variables from one iteration
to the next are negligible
• Residuals provide a mechanism to help
monitor this trend
− Overall property conservation is achieved
• Imbalances measure global conservation
− Quantities of interest (e.g. drag, pressure drop) have reached
steady values
• Monitor points track quantities of interest
• The accuracy of a converged solution is dependent upon:
− Appropriateness and accuracy of physical models A converged and mesh-independent
− Assumptions made solution on a well-posed problem
− Mesh resolution and independence will provide useful engineering
− Numerical errors results!

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

10 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 7. Examine the Results

• Examine the results to review solution and

extract useful data
− Visualization Tools can be used to answer such
questions as:
• What is the overall flow pattern?
• Is there separation?
• Where do shocks, shear layers, etc. form?
• Are key flow features being resolved?
− Numerical Reporting Tools can be used to calculate
quantitative results:
• Forces and Moments
• Average heat transfer coefficients Examine results to ensure correct physical behavior and
conservation of mass energy and other conserved
• Surface and Volume integrated quantities
quantities. High residuals may be caused by just a few poor
• Flux Balances quality cells.

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

11 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Step 8. Consider Revisions to the Model
• Are the physical models appropriate?
− Is the flow turbulent?
− Is the flow unsteady?
− Are there compressibility effects?
− Are there 3D effects?
• Are the boundary conditions correct?
− Is the computational domain large enough?
− Are boundary conditions appropriate?
− Are boundary values reasonable?
• Is the mesh adequate?
− Does the solution change significantly with a refined mesh, or
is the solution mesh independent?
− Does the mesh resolution of the geometry need to be
improved? High residuals may be caused by
− Does the model contain poor quality cells? just a few poor quality cells

Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

12 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Use CFD with Other Tools to Maximize its Effect
Problem Identification CAD Geometry Mesh

1. Define goals
2. Identify domain

Pre-Processing Thermal Profile on Windshield

3. Geometry
4. Mesh
5. Physics
6. Solver Settings

9. Update Model
Final Optimized Design
Solve Automated Optimization of
7. Compute solution
Windshield Defroster with
ANSYS DesignXplorer
Post Processing

8. Examine results
Prototype Testing Manufacturing

13 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.

 Summary and Conclusions

• Summary:
− All CFD simulations (in all mainstream CFD software products) are 1. Define Your
approached using the steps just described Modeling Goals
− Remember to first think about what the aims of the simulation are 2. Identify the Domain
prior to creating the geometry and mesh You Will Model
− Make sure the appropriate physical models are applied in the 3. Create a Geometric
solver, and that the simulation is fully converged (more in a later Model of the
lecture) Domain
− Scrutinize the results, you may need to rework some of the earlier 4. Design and Create
steps in light of the flow field obtained the Mesh
5. Set Up the
• What Next: Solver Settings
− Trainer will now demonstrate Fluent in action 6. Compute the Solution
7. Examine the Results
8. Consider Revisions to
the Model
Introduction CFD Approach Pre-Processing Solution Post-Processing Summary

14 © 2016 ANSYS, Inc.