Date of Award
Spring 5-1996
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
A. Tom Roper
Second Advisor
Robert Dillon
Third Advisor
Yoshi Shibberu
Abstract
The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is increasingly evident in the design of yacht keels and hulls. The complexity associated with the software, unfortunately, puts it out of reach of the average user. To lower this degree of difficulty, a package needed to be fully explored and documented with a simple, two-dimensional model. This research was conducted to validate results from Algor, a commercially available FEA I CFD package, and to evaluate the feasibility of it as an undergraduate tool. The theory behind the code was not discussed as it is beyond the scope of this research. The solutions obtained from Algor compared well to experimental data. Basic inviscid and viscous behavior of airfoil sections is presented and used to calibrate the finite element model of the flow field. The results of the calibration are then applied to a different model to verify robustness. This research revealed that, with appropriate boundary definitions and meshing technique, Algor can predict the lift coefficients with a moderate degree of confidence. The drag coefficients, however, could not be dependably predicted. It was also determined that Algor is appropriate for undergraduate classroom use. A users manual, based on the airfoil calibration, was developed to augment the literature provided by Algor.
Recommended Citation
Chambers, Zachariah, "A Verification of the Finite Element Method for Use in Computational Fluid Dynamics" (1996). Graduate Theses - Mechanical Engineering. 6.
https://scholar.rose-hulman.edu/mechanical_engineering_grad_theses/6