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Created using ANSYS 2020 R1

Learning Goals

In this tutorial, you will learn:

• the basics of developing a CFD solution using ANSYS Fluent
• how to apply boundary conditions and understand the governing equations behind your solution
• how to develop a a 3D mesh, solve for the flow field, and plot results

Problem Specification

The MAE 4021 and 5020 project involves developing a CFD simulation of the flow field for a wind turbine rotor using ANSYS Fluent.  The CFD simulation will yield the pressure/velocity distribution around the blade and the power coefficient. A sample blade geometry is given to be used in the simulations as an example was developed by one of the groups performing the senior design component of this course in a prior year. A CAD file containing the blade geometry is provided to you on Canvas (see below for download instructions).

In the simulations, use a wind speed of 5 m/s and a tip speed ratio of 6. For air density and viscosity, use values from the “standard atmosphere”. Note that in a given Reynolds number range, the efficiency of a turbine with blades of radius R depends primarily on the tip speed ratio, λ = ΩR/U, where U is the wind speed, and Ω is the angular velocity of the rotor.

Your project report should include the following. For each item below, also include a short discussion i.e. don’t just present a bunch of figures or equations without any discussion.

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