Teaching CFD: Combining Experiments and Practical Projects With Numerical Simulations Available to Purchase

This paper describes two projects assigned to students in a senior/beginning graduate level course on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) at Oakland University. One of the novel features of this course is a class project that combines a laboratory experiment with a CFD flow analysis. This project involves pressure and velocity measurements in a venturi device in a wind tunnel apparatus and their subsequent comparison to CFD simulation results for the same geometry using the commercial CFD software Fluent®. A second project, “Turbulent Flow Through a 90-degree Elbow,” involves the use of CFD simulations to propose an explanation for and possible solution to the erratic behavior of a paddle-type flow detection switch placed in a 90-degree bend to detect the presence of air flow in the circular duct. Details of these class assignments, as well as results and lessons learned from this course experience are discussed.