Course detail

Computational Fluid Dynamics

FSI-MVP-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is one of the three pillars of modern fluid dynamics (theoretical fluid dynamics, experimental fluid dynamics, CFD). Spreading of the CFD codes into practice requires acquainting with methods of numerical solution of fluid flow. Their knowledge is necessary for correct evaluation of the computational simulation results and qualified usage of CFD software not only for fluid machines and systems design, but always when liquid and gas flow matters.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Pavel Rudolf, Ph.D.

Department

Energy Institute (EÚ)

Offered to foreign students

Of all faculties

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of basic equations of fluid flow, basics of work with PC.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Oral and written part, evaluation of the project reports. Overall grading according to ECTS scale.

All reports and project outputs are written in English.


Attendance is recorded, limited absence is judged individually. 4-5 individual and team project reports.

Aims

Aquainting with principles of computational fluid dynamics, gaining necessary theoretical background  and skills for practical work with CFD software. Basics of team project work in computational modeling.


Student will get acquinted with principles of numerical solution of fluid flow (especially using finite volume method), theory and modeling of turbulent flow and with optimization methods for fluid machines and elements design. Student will obtain skills of work with particular CFD code (ANSYS Fluent).

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Fletcher, C.A.J.: Computational Techniques fo Fluid Dynamics. Springer-Verlag. 1997
Fletcher, R.: Practical Methods of Optimization. John Wiley & Sons. 2nd edition. 2000
Versteeg, H., Malalasekera, W.: An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics : The Finite Volume Method Approach. Prentice Hall. 1996
Wendt, J.F.: Computational Fluid Dynamics. Springer-Verlag Telos. 1996
Wilcox, D.C.: Turbulence Modeling for CFD. DCW Industries Ltd. 1992

Recommended reading

Kozubková, M., Drábková, S., Šťáva, P.: Matematické modely stlačitelného a nestlačitelného proudění - Metoda konečných objemů. Skripta VŠB-TU Ostrava. 1999.
Tesař, V.: Mezní vrstvy a turbulence. Skripta ČVUT. Ediční středisko ČVUT. 1991.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-ENG-A Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Rudolf, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Role of CFD in design of fluid machines, advantages and limitations of computational modeling. Motivating presentation of CFD applications.
2. Basic differential equations of fluid mechanics, mathematical classification of these equations, necessity of numerical solution.
3. Approaches to discretization of partial differential equations (finite differences, volumes, elements). Finite volume method (FVM).
4. Application of FVM to 1D and 2D diffusion. Solution of the systém of equations. Convergence.
5. Unsteady problem. Explicit, implicit scheme.
6. Advection - diffusion problem, algorithm SIMPLE.
7. Flow in rotating frame of reference (multiple reference frame, mixing plane, sliding mesh), multiphase flow ; basic principles.
8. Turbulence, possibilities of computational solution. Statistical analysis. Reynolds equations. Turbulent stress tensor. Problem of the equation systém closure. Boussinesque hypothesis.
9. Turbulence models (zero, one, two equation models, Reynolds stress model). Large eddy simulation. Direct numerical simulation.

10. Advanced turbulence models (scale resolved, hybrid)
11. Near wall modeling (wall functions, two layer approach). Visualization in CFD environment.
12. Shape optimization of fluid elements, Geometry parametrization, objective function definition, interconnecting of optimization and CFD. Principles of some optimization methods.
13. Integration of CFD process of research and development.  Presentation on the real example of fluid machine or element (together with presentation of the research engineer from industry).

Computer-assisted exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Rudolf, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Project 1: Computational modeling and experimental visualization of selected flow phenomenon.

2.-4. Acquainting with flow simulation process (preprocessor + solver + postprocessor). Application in Ansys Fluent environment. Basics of geometry modeling (SpaceClaim, Ansys Modeler) and mesh building (Ansys Mesh, Fluent Meshing)

Project 2 : setting up a script for postprocessing

6.-7. Project 3: Industrial project

8.-11. Project 4 : Industrial project

12.-13. Project 5: Shape optimization in CFD environment