Validating a New CFD Algorithm by Finding the Drag Coefficient of a Sphere
A novel CFD algorithm called LEAP is currently being developed by the Kasbaoui Research Group (KRG) using the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) to describe complex geometries. To validate the algorithm, this research project focused on testing the algorithm in three dimensions by simulating a sphere placed in a moving fluid. The simulation results were compared against the experimentally derived Schiller-Naumann Correlation. Over the course of 36 trials, various spatial and temporal resolutions were tested at specific Reynolds numbers between 10 and 300. It was observed that numerical errors decreased with increasing spatial and temporal resolution. This result was expected as increased resolution should give results closer to experimental values. Having shown the accuracy and robustness of this method, KRG will continue to develop this algorithm to explore more complex geometries such as aircraft engines or human lungs.
- Author (aut): Madden, David Jackson
- Thesis director: Kasbaoui, Mohamed Houssem
- Committee member: Herrmann, Marcus
- Contributor (ctb): Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
- Contributor (ctb): Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
- Contributor (ctb): Barrett, The Honors College