Department of Mechanical Engineering

Santa Clara University

ME 268 Instructor: Ajay Chatterjee

Computational Fluid Mech. I email: achatterjee@scu.edu
Winter Qtr 2016-17 Oce hours: Tu 10-11:30 AM & Fri 3-4:30 PM
Class: Thurs 7:10 to 9 AM, GUADLP 201 Bannan Engg Lab, Rm 402

Course Description
This is a 7rst course in Computational Fluid Mechanics (aka Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD).
We will study techniques used for the numerical solution of the conservation equations for momentum,
heat and mass transfer in <uid <ow. The course will cover discretization and di>erencing schemes for
the governing equations and methods for the solution of the resulting algebraic equations. The
material in this 7rst course will be restricted to laminar <ows and the focus will be on 7nite-
di>erencing and 7nite volume methods.

Course Content/Objectives
1. We will start by introducing the basic concepts of discretization and di>erencing, truncation error
and order of a di>erencing formula. We will supplement the fundamental ideas with the development
of a di>erencing scheme for the solution of typical problems and discuss th concept of stability.
2. The solution of systems of algebraic equations features prominently in the subject and we will focus
both on direct and iterative methods of solution and associated algorithms. A generalization to two
dimensional equations will provide a broader perspective on practical applications. Typical methods
such as line iteration and ADI will be included.
3. The essential challenge in problems with convection will be described next and we will spend
considerable time on methods for their resolution. This topic will introduce important concepts that
are used to characterize the goodness of di>erent schemes.
4. The remainder of the course will cover the Finite Volume method where the preceding subject
matter on di>erencing techniques can readily be applied.
5. Finally, we will consider calculation of the velocity 7eld and describe the classical SIMPLE method
of solution for the velocity and pressure 7elds. Advanced topics, including the computation of
turbulent <ows will be covered in the subsequent course ME 269.
6. Throughout the course homework assignments will be given and three computer programming
assignments will provide opportunities for students to apply the numerical methods to typical
problems.
7. Available commercial software in the Computer Lab will provide exposure to usage of these
sophisticated tools for complex problems.

Learning Outcomes
1. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods used for the
numerical solution of problems in <uid <ow and transport processes (Course materials and HW
assignments).
2. They will be able to develop a di>erence scheme for the solution of equations describing transport
processes in a <uid (HW assignments).
3. Gain insight into the numerical behavior of di>erence schemes, their truncation error and order of
convergence. They will acquire 7rst hand experience in setting up the grid, BCs, di>erencing scheme
and solution method for a reasonably complex (2D geometry) problem (Programming assignments).
4. Based on computer lab sessions they will gain some familiarity with the use of commercial software
codes used to tackle complex engineering problems in <uid mechanics and heat transfer.

Text Book
Veersteg, H.K., Malalasekera, W., 2007, An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The
Finite Volume Method, Prentice Hall.

Reference Material
1. Fletcher, C.A.J., 1991, Computational Techniques for Fluid Dynamics, vol I, Springer. A
particularly useful reference book describing many schemes. Excellent source for 7nite-di>erence
methods.
2. Roache, P.J., 1998, Fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics, Hermosa. A practical and
useful book with a wealth of references. Particularly valuable for ideas on grid convergence .
3. Patankar, S.V., Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow, 1980, Taylor & Francis. Very readable
textbook, particularly for the SIMPLE family of methods.
4. Press, W.H., Teukolsky, S.A, Vetterling, W.T., Flannery, B.P., 1992, Numerical Recipes in C,
Cambridge. A classic text for an exposition on basic numerical methods and C programs.
5. Peyret, R., Taylor, T.D., 1983, Computational Methods for Fluid Flow, Springer. Advanced book.
6. Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.E., Lightfoot, E.N., 2007, Transport Phenomena, John Wiley. Fundamental
UG level textbook reference for transport processes.

Grading: Course grade will be based on homework assignments (40%), 3 computer programming
assignments (40%), and an in class exam (20%). Grade for the Computer Lab tutorial work will be
included as part of the 7nal HW grade.
 Lecture Sequence and Content

Lect. Content Text Reference, Assignments

1 Introduction. Approximation of derivatives. Ch. 1, Appendix A
Truncation Error analysis. HW #1. Computer Assignment #1
2 Continuation. Example algorithms for heat di>usion. HW #2
Time dependent problems.
3 Methods for the solution of di>erence equations. Ch. 7
4 PDEs. Line iteration. ADI Ch. 7, Computer Assignment #2
5 Concept of stability. 1D Convective <ow and HW #3
complexities. Upwinding scheme.
6 Continuation of Upwinding. Goodness measures Computer Lab tutorial
7 Finite Volume method. Di>usion equation Ch. 4, HW #4
8 FVM for convective transport. QUICK scheme Ch. 5, Computer Assignment #3
9 Computation of the <ow 7eld. SIMPLE Ch. 6, HW #5
10 Continuation of the SIMPLE scheme Ch. 6
HW will generally be due the following week. For computer assignments up to two weeks may be
available depending on the assignment.