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Segment V6.7CFD Example

(Related to Textbook Section 6.10.1 -

Numerical Methods)

Complex flows can be analyzed using thefinite difference method in which thecontinuous variables are approximated bydiscrete values calculated at grid points. Thegoverning partial differential equations arereduced to a set of algebraic equations which

is solved by approximate numerical methods.

The flow past a circular cylinder at aReynolds number of 10,000 was calculatedusing a finite difference method based on the

Navier-Stokes equations. The O-shaped gridcontained 100 by 400 grid points. Particle

paths clearly show the Karmen vortex street.(Video courtesy of K. Kuwahara, Institute ofSpace and Astronautical Science, Japan)

Click image to view video