Computational Fluid Dynamics - Introduction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding resources and understanding the fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) from a computer science perspective. Participants express interest in both theoretical and practical aspects of CFD, including numerical simulations and the formulation of equations relevant to fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking resources for learning CFD with a focus on computer science, particularly in relation to simulating effects like wind on fur or river flow.
  • Another participant notes that most available resources focus on numerical simulations and the mathematical perspective, suggesting that a computer science approach may not be well-represented.
  • There is mention of a book by Versteeg, which is suggested as a potential resource, although one participant expresses difficulty in locating it.
  • Participants discuss the need for theoretical understanding, specifically how to formulate differential or integral equations into finite element method (FEM) form.
  • One participant highlights the complexity of simulating "effects of wind on fur" due to fluid-structure interaction, while suggesting that river flow simulations may be simpler.
  • Another participant outlines the Navier-Stokes equations, which encompass mass, momentum, and energy equations, providing links to various resources for further reading.
  • There is a mention of the challenges posed by tensor notation in CFD literature, with some participants expressing a preference for vector notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of finding suitable CFD resources from a computer science perspective, but no consensus is reached on specific texts or approaches. Multiple competing views on the best way to learn CFD and the relevance of different mathematical perspectives remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in available resources, particularly the focus on software usage rather than foundational theory. There is also mention of the difficulty in navigating mathematical notations used in CFD literature.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for computer science students or professionals interested in the intersection of computer science and fluid dynamics, particularly those looking for theoretical resources or insights into numerical simulation techniques.

Bucky
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Hi, hope this is the right area for this.

I'm currently doing preliminary research for my computer science dissertation. I'm thinking of doing something in CFD...either representing the effects of wind on fur, or simulating a river flowing.

Most CFD 'googles' have resulted in me finding items relating to CFD software, and CFD from the perspective of mathmaticians, physicists and (most prominantly) engineers.

Is there a good text/online source for learning CFD from the ground up with a neutral/computer science perspective?
 
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nope not that i have found (then again I'm in the same spot as you)...
then again it depends on what your definition of cs perspective since most of CFD is about numerical simulations(PDEs).

IF your cs defn is about building CFD engine from the ground up i haven't found one so if you do please post the book.

If your just talking about building numerical code that's used in CFD tahts what most books are for (my course used Wesseling's, this book is horrid in notation) and is basically the mathematicians perspective.

There's another text recommended to me by another CFD student by i think Verstaag(its a book entitled intro to CFD, full words)

So if you don't like the math then your outta luck with CFD's and better brush up on numerical techniques.
 
well the problem is that most of the information is from university courses with modules on on how to use "piece of software X" to find what they want, not an explanation of how to build some form of software.

i tried looking for that Verstaag chap, but came up blank. :/
 
Are you looking for the theory behind CFD, i.e. how to formulate the set of differential or integral equations into FEM form?

Some theoretical material is available -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540420746/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Perhaps a classic text is

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0891165223/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I may have a couple more of Patankar's books.


"Effects of wind on fur" is not necessarily trivial, since it involves fluid-structure interaction - which could be handled as a boundary condition to the fluid.

River flow would be easier.
 
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Astronuc said:
Are you looking for the theory behind CFD, i.e. how to formulate the set of differential or integral equations into FEM form?

Some theoretical material is available -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540420746/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Perhaps a classic text is

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0891165223/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I may have a couple more of Patankar's books.


"Effects of wind on fur" is not necessarily trivial, since it involves fluid-structure interaction - which could be handled as a boundary condition to the fluid.

River flow would be easier.

At this stage I'm really interested in just understanding the ground work. What equations do I use? How do you represent a volume of water? How do you calculate changes in the body of water?

Like i said, everything I've looked at starts with a general overview of what CFD is and why it's used, then goes into saying "and in this course we'll be using this piece of software...". which isn't what i want.

thanks for your book suggestions, I've asked the university library to get in some copies so hopefully they will be useful.
 
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There are three sets of equations - mass, momentum and energy - and altogether they are known as the Navier-Stokes equations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navier-Stokes_equations

The mass equation is also known as the continuity equation - i.e. for incompressible flow, mass flow in = mass flow out, otherwise there is an accumulation of mass, which can happen in a vessel such as an accumulator.

Continuity - http://www.princeton.edu/~asmits/Bicycle_web/continuity.html
http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/mod_tech/node65.html
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/mass.html

Momentum - http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/conmo.html

Energy - http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/thermo1f.html


More generally -

http://people.ccmr.cornell.edu/~muchomas/P214/Notes/Transport/node1.html

CIVE1400: Fluid Mechanics
http://www.efm.leeds.ac.uk/CIVE/CIVE1400/course.html

http://www.eng.vt.edu/fluids/msc/ns/nsintro.htm

Limited free view (~5 pages) then requires subscription.
http://www.efunda.com/formulae/fluids/navier_stokes.cfm

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/nseqs.html

This should get one started. There was a great site on Navier-Stokes, but it appears to be down now.
 
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k the book is
an intro to CF: finite volume method" by Versteeg MalalasekeraD
the first few chapters seem decent...

but if your willing to go through all the tensor notation(i hate it) Wesselings is ok...take me long because i try to convert everything back to vector notations.
 

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