This course provides an introduction to the principles and applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with a focus on chemical engineering processes. Students will learn the fundamental mathematical models governing fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transport, and how these models are discretized and solved using numerical methods. The course covers the formulation of governing equations, turbulence modeling, and multiphase flow simulation, emphasizing practical applications in chemical reactors, separation processes, and transport phenomena. Hands-on exercises using widely used CFD software allow students to develop skills in setting up, running, and interpreting simulations relevant to chemical engineering problems.

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the fundamental governing equations of fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer relevant to chemical engineering processes. 2. Understand the principles of numerical discretization methods such as finite volume, finite difference, and finite element methods. 3. Set up and solve basic CFD problems involving laminar and turbulent flows using commercial or open-source CFD software. 4. Interpret and analyze CFD simulation results critically, identifying key flow features and transport phenomena. 5. Apply turbulence models and multiphase flow models appropriate to chemical engineering applications. 6. Design and implement CFD simulations for chemical reactors, separation units, and other process equipment. 7. Communicate CFD modeling results effectively through written reports and presentations.

Students should have prior knowledge of: 1. Fluid Mechanics - Fundamentals of fluid statics and dynamics - Continuity, momentum, and energy conservation equations - Basic concepts of laminar and turbulent flow 2. Heat and Mass Transfer - Basic conduction, convection, and diffusion principles - Steady-state and transient heat/mass transfer 3. Mathematics - Ordinary and partial differential equations - Vector calculus - Basic numerical methods (finite difference or finite volume methods) 4. Programming or Computational Skills - Basic programming skills in languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++ - Familiarity with numerical computing environments

1. Introduction to CFD - Overview of CFD in chemical engineering - Role and limitations of CFD simulations 2. Governing Equations of Fluid Flow - Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy - Navier–Stokes equations and assumptions 3. Mathematical Foundations and Numerical Methods - Discretization techniques: finite difference, finite volume, finite element - Grid generation and mesh quality - Spatial and time discretization, stability, boundedness, convergence, and accuracy 4. Boundary and Initial Conditions - Types of boundary conditions in CFD - Treatment of inlet, outlet, wall, and symmetry boundaries 5. Turbulence Modeling - Introduction to turbulence - Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations - Common turbulence models: k-ε, k-ω, LES basics 6. Heat and Mass Transfer in CFD - Coupling of momentum, energy, and species transport - Simulation of reactive flows and chemical reactions 7. Practical CFD Simulations - Setting up CFD cases relevant to chemical engineering - Post-processing and interpreting results - Use of commercial and open-source CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM) 8. Case Studies and Applications - CFD applications in reactors, separation units, and process optimization - Troubleshooting common CFD problems

The course consists of lectures (40%), tutorials on Ansys CFD Fluent (10%) and practical sessions in the computer laboratory working on a specific project (50%).

Andersson B, Andersson R, Håkansson L, Mortensen M, Sudiyo R, van Wachem B. Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineers. Cambridge University Press; 2011; https://doi-org.ezproxy.biblio.polito.it/10.1017/CBO9781139093590

Dispense; Libro di testo; Video lezioni tratte da anni precedenti;

Modalità di esame: Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;

Exam: Group project;

... At the beginning of the course, students are divided into groups of five and assigned a design project to be solved using CFD tools. Each group is guided throughout the semester in the development and implementation of their project, which involves applying the concepts and methods learned during the course to a realistic chemical engineering problem. At the end of the course, each group delivers a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation summarizing their work. The presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session, during which students are expected to discuss their results and demonstrate a solid understanding of both their specific project and the general CFD principles covered in the course. Despite group work, the final grade is assigned individually, based on individual performance.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.