Running head: URECA Final Report 1

URECA Final Report on the Minimization of Air Resistance Through the use of Computational Flow Dynamics

Salman K. Rahmani

Middle Tennessee State University

Author’s Note:

Any questions or concerns regarding this document should be directed towards Salman Rahmani at 615-351-1114 or Salmanr96@gmail.com

URECA Final Report 2

Introduction

For the duration of my research, I have assisted another undergraduate student by the

name of Nick Myhre to observe how slight modifications to a particular geometry affects its drag

coefficient. Not only did we observe the drag coefficient of the geometry, we also examined the

pressure and velocity of air particles around the object. The main part of my research however

was to simply learn and get acclimated to the software in which we were using to conduct the

simulations (ANSY-Fluent). A brief summary of some of the principals that I have learned

throughout the course of my research are: how to export a geometry from Inventor into ANSYS,

create a mesh within ANSYS, input parameters within ANSYS for a simulation, and some of the

most basic mathematical principals of engineering regarding fluid mechanics (series expansions

of unsolvable equations and vectors).

Methods

Not only is the topic of research important, but the methods we select are amongst equal

importance as well. The way Nick and I ran our project was to make it as efficient as possible

whilst minimizing the chance for error. We decided that for the first two weeks of the project,

Nick and I would meet at the same time in the lab so he could teach me the basics of how to use

ANSYS, such as meshing and inputting parameters for the simulation. The next few weeks

consisted of me materializing all the geometries we would need for the research within Inventor

(An Autodesk licensed rendering software). After that was done, we concluded that we should

perform our work separately so that I could import the geometries from Inventor onto ANSYS,

mesh it, and upload it to the setup window where Nick would input all the parameters, and run

the simulation. This way, I could work on what I knew how to do while Nick was in class and

Nick could finish up the simulation while I was attending my lectures.

URECA Final Report 3

Although I have discussed the methods of how we performed our research in the sense of

time management, I feel as if the topic of Methods isn’t complete until I have explained some of

the methods used within the software for Nick and I’s simulations. Well, we begin by first

creating our desired geometry on a rendering software; for our project I decided to use Inventor

due to the fact that I feel a bit more comfortable with it. Then, I would import the geometry into

ANSYS (our simulation software) and “Mesh” it. Meshing is the act of creating an overlay of 3-

D shapes that will act as monitors to see what each air particle is doing while it’s within that

shape. Once the mesh is complete and refined, we then upload the geometry to a setup which is

where we input all the parameters and solution methods that we would like the simulation to use.

For example, Nick and I would have to specify the type of fluid that the object is moving

through, its velocity, input the pressure of the surroundings of the geometry, specify the

temperature of the surroundings, and much more. Once we input the parameters of the

simulation, we create “monitors” which tells the computer what we would like to observe from

the simulation (such as pressure, particle velocity, etc), which the computer will then

automatically write Microsoft Excel files for as the simulation is running which displays the

data. Once the simulation is done, Nick and I repeat these steps with the next geometry.

Applications

This research was extremely beneficial in my learning experience in the sense that it

opened my eyes to some of the software and methods that aerospace engineers as well as other

engineers use on a day to day basis. For example, ANSYS-Fluent can be used to approximate the

drag coefficient of aircraft as it moves throughout a particular system, or it can be used by a

mechanical/fluid engineer at one of Exxon’s oil rigs to try and estimate the pressure in a petrol

pipe to try and reduce the chance of it rupturing.

URECA Final Report 4

This research also provided me with a skillset to pursue my dream job, it will also assist

me in being selected for a particular internship or research program that I might not have been

able to do without the knowledge that I have gained. A wonderful example of this is that I am

now trying to apply for a summer research program at Texas A&M University observing fluid

flow. One of their preferred qualifications among applicants is that we take a class on fluids;

although I have not yet, the fact that I have performed research in regards to fluid flow gives me

a solid chance on being selected.

Furthermore, it will help me with my future courses such as mathematics and fluid

dynamics. Throughout the course of this research I was learning new mathematical concepts that

were beyond my mathematics class’s curriculum. For example, I learned how to calculate simple

vectors on a 2-D plane (a method in calculus 3 which I have not taken yet), how to expand a

function into a series to try and help approximate the solution (an advanced calculus 2 concept),

and how to calculate the viscosity of a fluid (a concept in fluid dynamics which is also a course I

have not taken yet).

Thank You

Although some individuals might not consider a thank you section within a final report to

be professional, I believe the exact opposite; that giving thanks to those who put so much faith

within you is of the utmost professionalism. I would like to begin by thanking the URECA

committee who granted me the opportunity to perform this research and help prepare me for my

future. I also would like to thank Dr. Callender for being an exemplary mentor throughout this

project and guiding me as I pursue my dream of being an Aerospace Engineer. And last of all, I

would like to thank Nick Myhre, for being an incredible friend and research partner who taught

me all that I know about fluid flow.