ME 612 Computational Fluid Dynamics

Spring 2008
MW 6:30-7:50pm in HL 116

Prof. Gretar Tryggvason
131 Higgins Lab
Tel.: 508 831-5759
E-mail: gretar@wpi.edu



Audience/Goals:
The course is for students who wish to understand the fundamentals of CFD and to be able to write and use CFD codes. You will learn how to solve the Navier-Stokes and Euler equations and have had an introduction to various advanced concepts, allowing continuing studies of the literature.

Tentative Outline:

Introduction to CFD. Overview of finite differences and finite volume, accuracy, stability, and simple solution methods for the Navier-Stokes equations. (2 weeks)
The Navier-Stokes and the Euler Equations (1 week)
First order Partial Differential Equations (PDF's). Characteristics. Classification of Second Order PDF's. (1 week)
Algorithms for Hyperbolic equations. The Euler equations. 2 weeks
Algorithms for Parabolic and Elliptic equations. (2 weeks)
Putting it together, the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Irregular domains. (2 weeks)
Complex Flows: Stratification, turbulence, combustion. Commercial CFD codes. (3 weeks)
Background needed: Undergraduate Numerical Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. Basic computer skills. MATLAB is used for some of the homework, and can be used for the projects.
Grading is based on projects, homework, and two exams.
The course is open to qualified seniors