CFD Investigations of Backward Facing Step Flow using Ansys Fluent
It is commonly recognized that abrupt changes in test-section geometry can cause internal flows to separate. One of the traditional internal flow problems in fluid mechanics is flow through a backward facing step. Because of its geometric simplicity and flow diagnostic method, this phenomenon is now routinely used for numerical validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigations. This case study presents numerical investigations of fluid flow via a backward facing step for a 2D channel with an expansion ratio H/h=2. The numerical simulations have been performed using Ansys Fluent CFD software. To obtain the true flow behavior, several flow characteristics have been computed at various Reynolds numbers in the range of 10 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 .
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic applications of CFD for internal separated flow.
- Describe the effect of Reynolds number on flow separation and reattachment characteristics.
- Observe the flow separation through visualization using contour and vector plots.
Applicable Courses for Use
- Fluid Mechanics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Downloadable Content
- Case Study Report
- Simulation Files for Re=1000 case
Related Resources
Exact solutions of Navier-Stokes equations using Ansys Fluent® Software
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Multiple Tandem Airfoils in Ansys Fluent
