External Aerodynamics of a Simplified Bluff Body using CFD

Project Overview

This engineering case study utilized commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to analyze the external aerodynamic performance of a generic bluff body. The methodology involved setting up a steady-state RANS simulation, employing an advanced turbulence model to accurately capture complex flow phenomena such as wake formation and flow separation. A comprehensive grid refinement study was performed, comparing results from various mesh resolutions, including coarse, medium, and fine meshes, both with and without targeted local refinement in critical flow regions. Key outputs included detailed velocity profiles, characterization of recirculation zones, and aerodynamic force coefficients. The work highlighted the critical importance of mesh resolution and strategic local refinement for achieving grid-independent solutions and accurately predicting aerodynamic characteristics. This project demonstrated robust practices in CFD simulation setup, validation, and the systematic evaluation of numerical parameters to ensure reliable engineering insights.