Module: Computational Thermo-Fluid Dynamics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Computational Thermo-Fluid Dynamics
Module Code	MEC1056 (ITS: MM532)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The objectives of this module are to provide a thorough description of the mathematical methods and numerical techniques used in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and to provide a practical experience in the use of a state of the art commercial modelling software. The module covers incompressible laminar and turbulent flow with heat transfer and involves both theoretical exercises and practical computational modelling of fluid and heat transfer problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interprete the theoretical foundations of core numerical methods and mathematical models found in Computational Fluid Dynamics
2. Select appropriate governing equation to model specific fluid or heat transfer problem and make appropriate simplification to allow discretisation and solution
3. Formulate and set-up CFD models for the solution of simple but realistic thermo-fluid problems
4. Appreciate the limitations and capabilities of the main models and solution methods available with state of the art CFD Softwares based on the Finite Volume Method
5. Quantify the order of accuracy of a CFD model based on the choice of discretisation scheme
6. Evaluate critically the quality of a mesh, model set-up and results
7. Propose improvements to existing model setup with a view to adressing specific issues including limited computational power or memory
8. Demonstrate the importance of careful validation by comparison with experimental and/or analytical solutions

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on Theoretical Foundation for CFD
Tutorial	12	Exercise based review of theory
Laboratory	12	Computer based guidance on CFD assignment
Assignment Completion	50	Study of laminar and turbulent flow over cylinder and flow from an industrial mixer with critical review of state of the art modelling methods
Independent Study	89.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	20387	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Yan Delaure	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Three individual tests of student's understanding of theroretical background and limitations of CFD modelling.	25%	Sem 2 End
Practical/skills evaluation	CFD modelling of benchmark heat and fluid flow problems and practical turbomachinery system. Assessment from three class tests.	25%	As required
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Governing Equations
Derivation of the Navier-Stokes Equations from conservation laws and the Reynolds Transport Theorem to introduce the Finite Volume discretisation method from Integral equations.

Numerical schemes and order of accuracy analysis
The main discretisation schemes used in CFD are described and their order of accuracy are demonstrated

Solution of Linear Equation Systems and convergence issues
A broad range of diffusion and convection diffusion equations are discretised and iterative solution methods are descrtibed to highlight the importance of stability. Stability criteria a described and various schemes are tested for stability

Boundary conditions and numerical implementation
A range or physical boundary conditions are considered and suitable numerical implementations are demonstrated with practical examples

The Segregated solver and associated solution methods for the incompressible Navier Stokes Equations
The main solution methods for coupling of Navier Stokes equations are studied in detail and their relevance to CFD software studied.

Method for modelling heat transfer with incompressible flow
Issues related to the modelling of heat transfer problem are studied

Turbulence modelling
Practical engineering solutions to turbulence modelling are described and the main models are derived. This includes the derivation of the RANS equations and a description of the mixing length, k-ε and k-ω models

Guidelines for effective post-processing
Practical guidelines on how to address issues of stability and accuracy are given.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Versteeg H.K. and Malalasekera W.: 0, An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics The Finite Volume Method, Prentice Hall,
Ferziger J.H. and Peric M: 0, Computational Methods for Fluid Dynamics, Springer,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None