Laminar Flow Over a Wedge - Homework

Overview

This homework will focus on another classic example of a laminar boundary layer, which is the Falkner–Skan boundary layer flow over a 2D wedge. This problem has a Blasius-type self-similar analytical solution, but only under the assumption of a specific free-stream flow distribution. The Falkner–Skan flows can be found in biochemical processes, chemical engineering and nanofluids. In this homework, you will be guided to build a 2D CFD model to simulate the Falkner–Skan flow. In addition, you are expected to complete the visualization and analysis of velocity profiles to better understand the development of the Falkner–Skan laminar boundary layer. Comparison with the analytical profile will also be made and differences will be explained.

 

Modeling Objectives

In this homework example, you will learn:

  • How to simulate a 2D steady Falkner–Skan flow in Ansys Fluent
  • How to extract velocity profiles within the boundary layer

Setup

Download the Mesh file needed for setting up the simulation and the associated Case & Data files here. Follow the instructions below to set up this simulation in Ansys Fluent starting with the Mesh file. In case you face any issues setting up or running the simulation, please refer to the corresponding initial and final Case and Data files.


Alternate video link.


Results and Discussion

Let us now analyze the simulation results and understand the physics of laminar flow over a wedge.