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UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

School of Mechanical, Industrial & Aeronautical Engineering
MECN4001: Fluid Dynamics / MECN4004: Gas Dynamics & Propulsion

Computational Fluid Dynamics Project

1 Due Date

16:00 Friday 27th May 2011

2 Project Statement

A study is required of the aerodynamics of a rotating diamond-section body under various flow
conditions. Bodies such as these are used for varying the flow rate of supersonic wind tunnels
or for creating turbulence in open-air applications. A schematic of the system to be considered
is shown below.
 c -
-
- M∞  X

X
X e X
X

X  6h ∗ c
H=
?

The body is initially travelling at a forward speed of M∞ in air at standard atmospheric pressure
and temperature (101325Pa, 300K). It must then rotate from an initial position of the major
axis aligned with the direction of motion through one quarter turn (clockwise as shown) at a
rotational speed ω(t) = π2 ω0 sin ω0 t, where ω0 = 2πf . The length of each of the planes of the
body is 0.5m and the thickness is 0.2m (wedge half-angle of 11.54◦ ).

Based on this analysis the given geometry is to be discussed with regards to the following points:

1. The more important qualitative features of the flow (such as flow separation or shock
waves) around the body using plots of pressure or velocity contours as necessary

2. Compare the lift and drag produced by the body in the steady-state and transient cases,
as well as to any theoretical values

3. Explain any possible differences which may arise through changes to the selection of
viscosity / turbulence model

3 Deliverables

A single report is to be submitted by each group of 5 students comprised of group introduction,

method and results and individual discussions. Additional results pertinent to individual dis-
cussions may be included but this should be avoided. Students are limited to a maximum of 3
typeset pages for their discussions. A single disc containing the group’s case and data (and any
other relevant files), but excluding individual reports or images, must be submitted with said
report. The report must be written in the format of a final fourth year report with the associated
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sections. The report must also address the questions stated above. The mark breakdown for the
project is as stated below:

Table 1: Mark Breakdown for MECN4001 / MECN4004 CFD Project

Section Mark Section Mark

Numerical Solution 35% Report 65%
Geometry & grid generation 5% Project description 10%
Flow physics settings 2.5% Results 5%
Boundary condition settings 2.5% Discussion & conclusion (individual) 50%
Solution & independence 25%

4 Body Parameters Per Group

The following are the parameters (by group number) for the MECN4001 / MECN4004 CFD
project. All students must please also check that they are in their intended groups and see Mr
Paton with any queries in that regard.

Table 2: Body Parameters By Group

f = 1Hz f = 10Hz
h Group M∞ Group M∞
1 0.3 9 0.3
0.75 2 0.6 10 0.6
3 0.9* 11 0.9*
4 2.0** 12 2.0**
5 0.3 13 0.3
1.5 6 0.6 14 0.6
7 0.9* 15 0.9*
8 2.0** 16 2.0**

* Transonic speed makes this case suitable for groups of students that wish to examine com-
pressibility effects. Suggested for Aeronauticals or Mechanicals interested in 2D gas dynamics.

** Supersonic speed makes this case suitable for Aeronautical students. Mechanical students
may attempt this if they wish.