Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Hayden Kerkhoff, Sophomore Gavin Palmer, Garrett Seckinger
Lead Presenter's Name
Hayden Kerkhoff
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Jorge Gonzalez
Abstract
This project investigates the use of 2-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze aerodynamic behavior, then compare data with the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations run by MATLAB. By leveraging open‑source and possible industry CFD platforms—including OpenFOAM and commercial solvers such as ANSYS Fluent and Inventor Professional—the study evaluates how computational methods simulate, optimize, and predict key aerodynamic quantities such as lift, drag, stall angle, and Reynolds number. The project focuses on modeling an airflow over specific parameters, such as different angles of attacks and ISA Atmospheric Conditions. Parametric variations in density, angle of attack, chord length, and temperature are incorporated to assess their impact on aerodynamic coefficients and stall behavior. An initial phase examines the mathematical and computational difficulty of CFD, identifies appropriate simplifying assumptions, and determines which variables remain fixed versus experimentally varied. By combining theoretical derivations with computational modeling, this project aims to illustrate the practical application of the Navier–Stokes equations in aerodynamic analysis, as well as provide a structured evaluation of CFD tools while deepening understanding of fluid‑dynamic modeling and its practical implications for aerodynamic design. The comparison between analytical streamline approximations and numerical simulation results will provide insight into the accuracy and limitations of simplified analytical approaches when modeling real aerodynamic flows. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how mathematical fluid dynamics and CFD implication work together to predict aerodynamic behavior and quantify lift and drag characteristics for airfoils operating at different angles of attack.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Computational Engineering Commons, Fluid Dynamics Commons
Application of Navier Stokes in CFD
This project investigates the use of 2-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze aerodynamic behavior, then compare data with the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations run by MATLAB. By leveraging open‑source and possible industry CFD platforms—including OpenFOAM and commercial solvers such as ANSYS Fluent and Inventor Professional—the study evaluates how computational methods simulate, optimize, and predict key aerodynamic quantities such as lift, drag, stall angle, and Reynolds number. The project focuses on modeling an airflow over specific parameters, such as different angles of attacks and ISA Atmospheric Conditions. Parametric variations in density, angle of attack, chord length, and temperature are incorporated to assess their impact on aerodynamic coefficients and stall behavior. An initial phase examines the mathematical and computational difficulty of CFD, identifies appropriate simplifying assumptions, and determines which variables remain fixed versus experimentally varied. By combining theoretical derivations with computational modeling, this project aims to illustrate the practical application of the Navier–Stokes equations in aerodynamic analysis, as well as provide a structured evaluation of CFD tools while deepening understanding of fluid‑dynamic modeling and its practical implications for aerodynamic design. The comparison between analytical streamline approximations and numerical simulation results will provide insight into the accuracy and limitations of simplified analytical approaches when modeling real aerodynamic flows. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how mathematical fluid dynamics and CFD implication work together to predict aerodynamic behavior and quantify lift and drag characteristics for airfoils operating at different angles of attack.