Course syllabus for Computational fluid dynamics: The finite volume method (CFD)

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-26 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameNumerisk beräkning av strömning: finita volym-metoden (CFD)
  • CodeMTF073
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPAME
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering
  • DepartmentMECHANICS AND MARITIME SCIENCES
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 03134
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0120 Written and oral assignments, part A 1.5 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c
0220 Written and oral assignments, part B 1.5 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c
0320 Written and oral assignments, part C 1.5 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c
0420 Examination 3 c
Grading: TH
3 c
  • 17 Jan 2025 am J
  • 16 Apr 2025 pm J
  • 18 Aug 2025 pm J

In programmes

Examiner

Go to coursepage (Opens in new tab)

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

At least have taken one basic course in fluid mechanics. For students from Chalmers this means one of the following courses: MTF052/MTF053 - Fluid mechanics TME055 - Fluid mechanics KAA061 - Transport phenomena in chemical engineering KBT340 - Transport phenomena in chemical engineering

Aim

To develop a thorough knowledge of the finite volume method for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

- Use the finite volume method to discretize diffusion and convection-diffusion equations, and implement them in computer codes.
- Apply boundary conditions and source terms for specific problems, and understand different kinds of boundary conditions.
- Implement and use solvers for the linear equation system that results from the discretization and the use of boundary conditions and source terms.
- Evaluate convergence of the solution of the linear equation system, and verify that the equations are fulfilled.
- Understand and evaluate the plausibility of the results, and validate them.
- Derive the order of accuracy of numerical schemes, and understand why, and how, particular treatment is to be used for convection and time schemes.
- Understand, describe and implement what is necessary to get stable results when calculating both pressure and velocity, both using 'staggered grids' and 'collocated grids'.
- Understand, describe and implement an algorithm for the coupling of pressure and velocity (SIMPLE).
- Understand fundamental concepts of turbulence.
- Understand how turbulence models based on the Boussinesq hypothesis align with the finite volume method.

Content

The fundamental equations for fluid flow are recalled, and written in a general convection-diffusion form that is useful for the understanding of how the equations are solved. The equations must be discretized and reorganized to linear equation systems, that can be solved using boundary conditions and source terms. We start by discretizing steady-state diffusion equations (e.g. steady-state heat conduction), applying boundary conditions and source terms, and solving the equations using linear solvers. We then add the convection term and study how the discretization must be adapted to the behaviour of convection. In fluid flow problems, several equations are coupled. We study the coupling between pressure and velocity, which requires a special treatment to give stable results. We learn how to discretize the time derivative in different ways for unsteady problems. We finally see how turbulence is modelled by turbulence models that fit nicely into the concept of the finite volume method.

Organisation

The course is based on lectures and three computer exercises that should be presented in a short written report.

Literature

H.K. Versteeg and W. Malalasekera. "An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics - The Finite Volume Method", PEARSON, Prentice Hall, US (second edition, 2007). ISBN 978-0-13-127498-3. Can usually be borrowed electronically at the library.

Examination including compulsory elements

Written examination (results used for grade). Computer exercises must be passed.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.