ADVANCED VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PG- PROGRAM IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

ADVANCED VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS

CHAPTER FOUR REVIEW QUESTION

BY: - DAWIT ABERA(ID:00084) SUBMITTED: -KIBRET Y. (PHD)

SUBMISSION DATE: JULY 2, 2023

GONDAR

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1. What is Blockage ratio in CFD?

Blockage ratio in CFD is usually defined as the projected area of the structure in flow
direction to the cross-sectional area of the domain around the structure. It is
recommended to keep the blockage ratio below 3% to avoid introducing an artificial
acceleration of the flow due to the continuity equation
In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the blockage ratio refers to the ratio of the
obstruction area to the total flow area in a simulation domain. It is commonly used to
describe the presence of solid objects or obstacles that impede the flow of fluid
The blockage ratio is calculated by dividing the area occupied by the solid object(s) by
the total cross-sectional area available for the flow. It is typically expressed as a
percentage or decimal value.
A higher blockage ratio indicates a larger obstruction relative to the flow area, which can
significantly affect the flow patterns, turbulence, and aerodynamic characteristics. It is an
important parameter to consider in CFD simulations, especially for cases involving
vehicles, buildings, or other structures that interact with the fluid flow.
Properly accounting for the blockage ratio is crucial in accurately capturing the flow
behavior and obtaining reliable results in CFD simulations. It helps assess the impact of
obstructions on drag, lift, pressure distribution, and other aerodynamic properties.
2. Discuss about correction factor for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids?
Correction factor is a term used to account for the deviation of the actual fluid behavior
from the idealized assumptions. For example, a Pitot tube is a device that measures the
local velocity of a fluid by measuring the pressure difference between an impact tube and
a static tube. However, the pressure difference is not exactly proportional to the velocity
squared, as assumed by Bernoulli’s equation, because of the viscous effects and energy
losses in the fluid. Therefore, a correction factor is needed to adjust the measured
pressure difference to obtain the true velocity.

The correction factor for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids depends on several
parameters, such as the fluid viscosity, the Reynolds number, the flow geometry, and the
constitutive equation of the fluid. For non-Newtonian fluids, which do not obey a linear

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relationship between shear stress and shear rate, the correction factor also depends on the
flow behavior index and the consistency index of the fluid.
One way to calculate the correction factor for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids is to
use numerical methods or empirical correlations based on experimental data. For
example, 1 presents a numerical investigation and a neural network model to calculate the
correction factor for Pitot tubes for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids with the power-
law model. Another way is to use analytical methods based on boundary layer analysis
and similarity solutions. For example, 2 presents a method to derive the viscosity
correction and the velocity profiles for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in circular
ducts. Correction factors are often used in fluid mechanics to account for deviations from
idealized conditions when analyzing Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. These
correction factors help improve the accuracy of calculations and predictions in various
fluid flow scenarios.
Correction Factors for Newtonian Fluids:
- Pressure Correction Factor: In some situations, such as compressible flows or flows
with significant pressure variations, a pressure correction factor is applied to adjust the
measured pressure values. This factor accounts for the variations in pressure caused by
factors like fluid compressibility, elevation changes, or flow acceleration.
- Temperature Correction Factor: When dealing with temperature-dependent properties
of Newtonian fluids, a correction factor is used to adjust viscosity or other fluid properties
at different temperatures. This factor ensures that the fluid's behavior is accurately
represented under varying temperature conditions.
- Reynolds Number Correction Factor: The Reynolds number is a dimensionless
parameter used to characterize the flow regime. In certain cases, especially at high
Reynolds numbers, a correction factor may be applied to account for the effects of
compressibility or turbulence on the flow behavior.
Correction Factors for Non-Newtonian Fluids:
- Shear Rate Correction Factor: Non-Newtonian fluids exhibit varying viscosity
depending on the applied shear rate. A correction factor may be employed to account for
the non-linear relationship between shear rate and viscosity. This factor helps adjust the
viscosity values to accurately represent the fluid's behavior under different flow conditions.

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- Yield Stress Correction Factor: Some non-Newtonian fluids exhibit a yield stress,
meaning they do not flow until a certain stress threshold is exceeded. In such cases, a
correction factor may be used to account for the yield stress and adjust the flow behavior
accordingly.
- Time or Strain Rate Correction Factor: Non-Newtonian fluids may exhibit time-
dependent or strain-rate-dependent behavior. Correction factors can be applied to account
for the changes in viscosity or other fluid properties over time or under varying strain rates.
These correction factors are derived based on experimental data or theoretical models
specific to the fluid being studied. They help account for the complexities and deviations
from ideal Newtonian behavior in fluid flow analysis, improving the accuracy and
reliability of calculations and simulations for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
3. Discus about a million-dollar quotations of Navier– Stokes equations?
The Navier-Stokes equations are a set of partial differential equations that describe the
motion of fluid substances. They are named after Claude-Louis Navier and George Gabriel
Stokes, who made significant contributions to the understanding of fluid dynamics.
The importance and complexity of the Navier-Stokes equations lie in their ability to capture
the fundamental principles governing fluid flow, including conservation of mass,
momentum, and energy. These equations provide a mathematical framework to model and
simulate various fluid phenomena, such as the behavior of gases and liquids in motion.
The phrase "a million-dollar quotation" associated with the Navier-Stokes equations refers
to the unsolved mathematical problem known as the Navier-Stokes existence and
smoothness problem. This problem involves determining whether solutions to the Navier-
Stokes equations exist for all possible fluid flow scenarios and if those solutions remain
smooth (i.e., without any irregularities or singularities) within a given domain.
Although the Navier-Stokes equations have been widely used and have provided valuable
insights into fluid dynamics, solving the existence and smoothness problem has remained
a major challenge in mathematics. It is considered one of the seven "Millennium Prize
Problems" established by the Clay Mathematics Institute, with a prize of one million dollars
offered for its solution.
The complexity of the Navier-Stokes equations arises from their highly nonlinear nature,
making it difficult to find general analytical solutions. Numerical methods, such as

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computational fluid dynamics (CFD), are often employed to approximate solutions to these
equations for practical engineering and scientific applications.
Efforts to understand and solve the Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness problem have
led to significant advancements in mathematics and computational techniques. While
progress has been made in specific cases and simplified scenarios, a complete solution for
the general case of the Navier-Stokes equations remains elusive.
The pursuit of understanding the Navier-Stokes equations and resolving the existence and
smoothness problem highlights the deep mathematical and physical significance of fluid
dynamics. It continues to be an active area of research, with researchers striving to advance
our understanding of fluid behavior and its mathematical representation, contributing to
various fields such as aerospace engineering, meteorology, and climate science.
4. What is the difference b/n compressible and incompressible fluid in CFD?
In the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), one of the key distinctions is made
between compressible and incompressible fluids. These terms refer to the behavior of fluids
under different flow conditions and have significant implications for the numerical
modeling and simulation techniques used in CFD.
➢ Compressible Fluids:
- Definition: Compressible fluids are those in which density changes significantly with
variations in pressure and temperature.
- Characteristics: Compressible fluids can be compressed or expanded, resulting in
changes in their volume and density. They exhibit changes in density, viscosity, and other
fluid properties as the pressure and temperature vary.
- Flow Behavior: Compressible fluids experience changes in flow velocity and density
throughout the flow field, especially when subjected to significant variations in pressure or
temperature. They can exhibit compressibility effects, such as shock waves, expansion
waves, and changes in flow speed due to pressure variations.
- Numerical Modeling: Modeling compressible fluid flows requires the use of
compressible flow equations, such as the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with an
equation of state to account for changes in density and pressure. Special numerical
techniques, such as shock-capturing methods, are often employed to accurately capture
discontinuities and compressibility effects in the flow field.

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➢ Incompressible Fluids:
- Definition: Incompressible fluids are those in which density remains approximately
constant, regardless of changes in pressure or temperature.
- Characteristics: Incompressible fluids cannot be significantly compressed or expanded
under normal flow conditions. Their density remains nearly constant, and changes in
pressure and temperature have minimal impact on their properties.
- Flow Behavior: In incompressible fluid flows, density variations are negligible, and the
flow velocity remains relatively constant throughout the flow field. The fluid can still
exhibit changes in velocity and pressure but without significant density variations.
- Numerical Modeling: Modeling incompressible fluid flows involves the use of
simplified equations known as the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. These
equations neglect density changes and are often solved using techniques such as the
SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations) algorithm.
Incompressible flow simulations can be computationally more efficient than compressible
flow simulations since the density variation is negligible.
The choice between modeling a fluid as compressible or incompressible depends on the
specific application and the flow conditions involved. Compressible flow simulations are
typically used in scenarios where density changes significantly, such as high-speed
aerodynamics, supersonic flows, and gas dynamics. In contrast, incompressible flow
simulations are suitable for scenarios where density variations are negligible, such as many
liquid flows and low-speed aerodynamics.
It's important to note that the compressible and incompressible assumptions represent
idealizations, and there are cases where fluid behavior lies between these two extremes.
These cases may require more sophisticated modeling approaches, such as variable density
or density-based methods, to accurately capture the flow characteristics.
5. What is boundary layer in CFD?
In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the boundary layer refers to the thin layer of fluid
adjacent to a solid surface where the flow experiences significant velocity gradients and
changes in flow properties. It is an important concept in the analysis of fluid flow and plays
a crucial role in understanding the behavior of fluid near a boundary.

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The boundary layer forms as a result of viscous effects in the fluid. When a fluid flows
over a solid surface, the fluid in direct contact with the surface experiences friction, which
slows down the flow and creates a velocity gradient. This leads to the development of the
boundary layer, which can be categorized into two main types:
1. Laminar Boundary Layer: Initially, near the solid surface, the boundary layer is typically
thin and characterized by smooth, streamlined flow with layers of fluid sliding over each
other. This is known as the laminar boundary layer. The flow in this region is predominantly
smooth and predictable, with minimal mixing and turbulence.
2. Turbulent Boundary Layer: As the flow progresses along the surface, the laminar
boundary layer may undergo transition and become turbulent. In the turbulent boundary
layer, the flow becomes highly chaotic and characterized by eddies and fluctuations in
velocity. Turbulence enhances mixing and energy transfer within the fluid, leading to
increased friction and drag.
The behavior and characteristics of the boundary layer have significant implications for the
analysis and design of various engineering applications, such as aerodynamics, heat
transfer, and fluid flow around structures. Understanding the boundary layer is essential
for predicting drag forces, heat transfer rates, and other flow properties.
In CFD simulations, accurately modeling the boundary layer is crucial for capturing the
flow behavior near solid surfaces. Various numerical techniques and models, such as the
Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, large eddy simulation (LES), and
hybrid turbulence models, are employed to resolve the complex dynamics within the
boundary layer.
By accurately simulating and analyzing the behavior of the boundary layer, engineers and
researchers can gain insights into the effects of surface friction, heat transfer, drag, and
other flow phenomena, allowing them to optimize designs, improve efficiency, and predict
performance in various fluid flow applications.

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6. Explain with diagram of turbulence, and laminar flows

Laminar Flow
In laminar flow, the fluid moves in smooth and orderly layers without significant mixing
or disturbances. The fluid particles follow well-defined paths parallel to each other. The
velocity profile remains constant across the flow, resulting in a streamlined and
predictable motion

• Laminar flow is a type of flow in which the fluid particles move along smooth and
parallel paths or streamlines.
• Laminar flow occurs when the fluid velocity is low, the fluid viscosity is high, and the
flow geometry is simple and regular.
• Laminar flow has no fluctuations or eddies, and the fluid layers slide over each other
without mixing.
• Laminar flow is characterized by a low Reynolds number, which is the ratio of inertial
forces to viscous forces in the fluid. The Reynolds number can be calculated as

𝑈𝐿
Re= 𝑣

where U is the characteristic velocity, L is the characteristic length scale, and ν is the
kinematic viscosity of the fluid.

• A general rule of thumb is that laminar flow occurs when Re<500 for pipe flow, but this
may vary depending on the roughness of the pipe wall and the inlet conditions.

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In the diagram, the lines represent fluid streamlines moving smoothly and parallel to each
other, indicating laminar flow

Turbulent Flow

Turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and irregular motion, with fluid particles moving in
random directions and creating eddies and swirls. The flow is highly unsteady, with fluctuations
in velocity and pressure occurring throughout the flow domain. Turbulent flow is more complex
and difficult to predict compared to laminar flow.

• Turbulent flow is a type of flow in which the fluid particles move in irregular and chaotic
ways, forming vortices or eddies of different sizes and scales.
• Turbulent flow occurs when the fluid velocity is high, the fluid viscosity is low, and the
flow geometry is complex and irregular.
• Turbulent flow has fluctuations or eddies that cause rapid changes in pressure and
velocity, and the fluid layers mix with each other due to diffusion and convection.
• Turbulent flow is characterized by a high Reynolds number, which indicates that the
inertial forces are much greater than the viscous forces in the fluid. The Reynolds number
can be calculated as
𝑈𝐿
• Re= 𝑣

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where U is the characteristic velocity, L is the characteristic length scale, and ν is the
kinematic viscosity of the fluid.

• A general rule of thumb is that turbulent flow occurs when Re>2000 for pipe flow, but
this may vary depending on the roughness of the pipe wall and the inlet conditions.

In the diagram, the lines represent fluid streamlines that are chaotic and irregular, indicating
turbulent flow. The irregular pattern shows the random motion and mixing of fluid particles.
❖ basic understanding of the differences between laminar and turbulent flows. However, it's
important to note that actual fluid flows can be more complex and can involve a
combination of laminar and turbulent regions, depending on factors such as flow velocity,
viscosity, and flow conditions.

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