Terminal Velocity of a Falling Object using Ansys Fluent Software
In this study, we explore a classic fluid dynamics problem using the Falling Sphere Viscometer test case available on Ansys Innovation Space. The objective is to demonstrate how drag force acting on a body can be expressed as a function of the Reynolds number, a key non-dimensional parameter in fluid flow analysis. By deriving a functional relationship between drag and Reynolds number, we implement it within a numerical time integration scheme to predict the terminal velocity of a sphere falling through different fluids. This case effectively illustrates how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be leveraged to analyze and predict physical behavior in real-world engineering applications. Simulations in this exercise utilize Ansys Fluent®, a fluid simulation software.
Learning Outcomes
- Properly set up and run a CFD simulation for terminal velocity
- Describe drag as a function of Reynolds number using CFD results
Applicable Courses for Use
- Fluid Mechanics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Downloadable Content
- Case Study Report
- simulation run files for glycerin case
Related Resources
What are Fluids? using Ansys Fluent
