Ansys Tutorial of CFD

5.1.
Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct
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Tutorials | Chapter 5. CFD Tutorial |
5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

5.1.1. Problem Specification
Applicable ANSYS Products:
ANSYS Multiphysics, ANSYS FLOTRAN, ANSYS ED
Level of Difficulty:
advanced
Interactive Time Required:
1-1/2 to 2 hours
Discipline:
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Analysis Type:
steady-state
Element Types Used:
FLUID141
ANSYS Features Demonstrated:
solid modeling, mapped meshing, defining an

abbreviation on the Toolbar, restart of FLOTRAN
solution, multiple solutions, vector displays, line graphs,
path operations, trace particle animation
Applicable Help Available:
Overview of FLOTRAN CFD Analyses in the ANSYS

Fluids Analysis Guide, FLUID141 in the ANSYS Elements
Reference.
5.1.2. Problem Description

This problem models air flow in a two-dimensional duct. First, you define an arbitrary inlet velocity to simulate laminar flow
with a Reynolds number of 90. After you obtain the solution and examine the results, you will increase the inlet velocity to
investigate its effects on the flow profile and obtain a new solution. Then, in the third part, you will increase the duct length
to allow the flow to achieve a fully developed profile in the solution. Finally, after calculating that the Reynold's number is
greater than 4000, you will restart the solution using the turbulent model.
5.1.2.1. Given
Dimensions & Properties
Inlet length
4 in
Inlet height
1 in
Transition length
2 in
Outlet height
2.5 in
Initial outlet length
4 in
Added outlet length
30 in
Air density
1.21x10-7 lbf-s2/in4
Air viscosity
2.642x10-9 lbf-s/in2
Inlet velocity
1 in/sec*
Outlet pressure
0 psi
mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\Ansys%20Inc\v100\commonfiles\help\en-us\ansysh... 9/1/2011
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*Initial value of 1 will be changed to 50 upon restart.
5.1.2.2. Approach and Assumptions

You will perform two-dimensional analyses using the FLOTRAN element FLUID141. This problem is divided into four
parts:
A laminar analysis of the flow of air with a Reynolds number of 90
An investigation of how a higher inlet velocity affects the flow profile using the laminar model
A laminar analysis of air with a longer duct length to observe a more fully developed flow profile
A turbulent analysis of the flow of air with a Reynolds number of ~4600
For all solutions, you will apply a uniform velocity profile at the inlet. This includes specification of a zero velocity condition
at the inlet in the direction normal to the inlet flow. You will apply no-slip (zero velocity) conditions all along the walls
(including where the walls intersect the inlets and outlets). The fluid is considered incompressible and you can assume that
the properties will be constant. In such cases, only the relative value of pressure is important, and a zero relative pressure is
applied at the outlet.
For the initial analysis, the flow is in the laminar regime (Reynold's number < 3000). To compute the Reynolds number of the
flow for internal duct flows, the equation is as follows:
(Note that in a two-dimensional geometry, the hydraulic diameter is twice the inlet height.)
You will increase the inlet velocity to 50 in/s for the second analysis (which will increase the Reynolds number accordingly)
and you will rerun the solution.
The flow profile for the second analysis shows that the flow is not fully developed, therefore the logical next step would be to
increase the duct length in order to allow for a more complete profile. You will increase the length of the duct by 30 inches
and rerun the solution.
For internal flows, the transition to turbulence occurs within the Reynolds number range of 2000-3000. Therefore for the last
solution of air in the duct (Reynolds number ~4,500), the flow will be turbulent. For the last analysis, you will initiate the
solution using the turbulent model. You will restart the analysis here (instead of rerunning it) because the problem domain
has not changed.
5.1.2.3. Summary of Steps

Use the information in the problem description and the steps below as a guideline in solving the problem on your own. Or,
use the detailed interactive step-by-step solution by choosing the link for step 1.
Before you begin, delete any results files (.rfl) from previous CFD analyses that still reside in your working directory. If you
begin an ANSYS session to start a new CFD analysis, and use the same jobname from a file stored from a previous CFD
analysis, the program will not start from scratch, but will restart and append to files with the same name (Jobname.rfl and
Jobname.pfl). To avoid this situation, delete these results files when starting a new CFD analysis. Another way of avoiding
this situation is to change the jobname to one that was not used in a previous CFD analysis. You can change the jobname in
the product launcher before starting ANSYS, or during an ANSYS session by choosing Utility Menu> File> Change
Jobname.
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Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

1. Set preferences.
2. Define element type.
3. Create rectangle for the inlet region.
4. Create the outlet rectangle.
5. Create the transition region between the rectangles.
6. Establish mesh patterns.
7. Create the finite element mesh.
8. Create command on the Toolbar.
9. Apply boundary conditions.
Back To Top
Solution (Laminar Analysis)

10. Establish fluid properties.
11. Set execution controls.
12. Change reference conditions.
13. Execute FLOTRAN solution.
Back To Top
Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

14. Read in the results for postprocessing.
15. Plot velocity vectors.
16. Plot total pressure contours.
17. Animate velocity of trace particles.
18. Make a path plot of the velocity through the outlet.
Back To Top
Solution (Laminar Analysis with Change in Inlet Velocity)
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19. Increase the inlet velocity.

20. Run the analysis.
Back To Top
Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Inlet Velocity)

Back To Top
Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis with Increase in Duct Length)

24. Delete pressure boundary condition.
25. Construct additional outlet region.
26. Establish mesh divisions for the new rectangle and mesh.
27. Apply boundary conditions on new region.
Back To Top
Solution (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

28. Change the jobname and execute solution.
Back To Top
Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

29. Read in the new results and plot velocity vectors.
33. Calculate Reynolds number.
Back To Top
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Solution (Turbulent Analysis)

34. Specify FLOTRAN solution options and execution controls.
35. Restart the analysis.
Back To Top
Postprocessing (Turbulent Analysis)

39. Exit the ANSYS program.
5.1.3. Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

5.1.3.1. Step1: Set preferences.
You will now set preferences in order to filter quantities that pertain to this discipline only.
1. Main Menu >
Preferences
2. Turn on FLOTRAN
CFD filtering.
3. OK.
5.1.3.2. Step 2: Define element type.

1. Main Menu >
Preprocessor >
Element Type >
Add/Edit/Delete
2. Add an element type.
3. Choose FLOTRAN
CFD.
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4. Choose 2D
FLOTRAN element
(FLUID141).
5. OK.
6. Close.
5.1.3.3. Step 3: Create rectangle for the inlet region.

1. Main Menu>
Preprocessor>
Modeling> Create>
Areas> Rectangle> By
Dimensions
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2. Enter the following:

X1 = 0
X2 = 4
Y1 = 0
Y2 = 1
4. Apply to create the first
rectangle and preserve
the dialog box for the
second rectangle.
5.1.3.4. Step 4: Create the outlet rectangle.

X1 = 6
X2 = 10
Y1 = 0
Y2 = 2.5
3. OK.
4. Toolbar: SAVE_DB.
5.1.3.5. Step 5: Create the transition region between the rectangles.

The transition region, where the flow expands, is bordered on the top by a smooth line tangent to the upper line of both
rectangles. This line is created with the "Tangent to 2 lines" option. Note that the prompt in the Input Window will indicate
what is to be picked (lines, ends of lines).
The area is then created as an arbitrary area through the four keypoints. Note that the area will be bounded by existing lines
through those keypoints.
1. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Lines> Lines>
Tan to 2 Lines
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2. Pick first line (upper line of left rectangle).
3. OK (in picking menu).

4. Pick the tangency end of the first line (upper right corner).

6. Pick the second line (upper line of the larger rectangle.

8. Pick the tangency end of the second line.
9. OK to create the line

The result is a smooth line between the two areas.
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Now create the third area as an arbitrary area through keypoints.

10. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Areas>
Arbitrary> Through KPs
11. Pick 4 corners in counterclockwise order.
12. OK in the picking menu.
13. Toolbar: SAVE_DB
5.1.3.6. Step 6: Establish mesh patterns.

To create a mapped mesh, set the specific size controls along the lines (LESIZE command). The establishment of a good
finite element mesh is quite important in CFD analyses.
The general finite element philosophy of putting more elements in regions with higher solution gradients applies here. The
mesh density should be sufficient to enable the program to capture the nature of the phenomena. For example, a small
recirculation region is likely to develop in the expansion region. The greater the number of applied elements implies a higher
level of flow details that will be captured.
Apply 10 elements in the transverse direction (Y) and bias them slightly towards the top and bottom boundaries. This will
help capture boundary layer effects. For high Reynolds number problems, finer meshes should be used. Along the inlet flow
direction (X) in the inlet, use the number of divisions tabulated below.
Mesh Division Strategy
Transverse (Y) direction
10 divisions - bias towards walls
Inlet region, flow direction (X)
15 divisions - bias towards inlet and transition
Transition region
12 divisions - uniform spacing
Outlet region (initial)
15 divisions - larger elements near outlet
Before attempting this step, plot the lines for clarity.

1. Utility Menu> Plot> Lines
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2. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh

Tool
3. Choose Lines Set.
4. Pick lines in flow direction along the inlet.
5. Apply (in the picking menu).

6. Enter 15 as the No. of element divisions.
7. Enter -2 as the Spacing ratio (this produces
smaller elements near both ends of the line).
8. Apply.
The mesh ratio chosen results in smaller

elements near the inlet, where the flow is
developing, and near the expansion, in which
more elements will be placed because of the high
solution gradients in that region. There should be
a relatively smooth transition in element size
from region to region throughout the entire
problem domain.
You will repeat this process of picking the lines
and entering the number of divisions and the
ratios, using the mesh division strategy above.
Note that the mesh division ratio is applied to the
direction of the lines, the larger elements being at
the end of the line. This is the reason for the use
of a number less than 1 for the upper line of the
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outlet region and a number greater than 1 for the

lower line. (The line directions follow a
counterclockwise direction, according to how
they were generated.)
Transition region:
9. Pick the top and bottom lines in the center area.

12. Enter 1 as the Spacing ratio (uniform spacing).
13. Apply.
Outlet region:
14. Pick the top and bottom lines in the outlet region.

17. Enter 3.0 as the Spacing ratio (bias towards
outlet).
18. OK.
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Notice that the upper line is not biased towards

the transition. The line bias needs to be "flipped."
19. Choose Flip in the Mesh Tool. (toggle to Mesh
Tool as necessary.)
20. Pick the upper line only.
21. OK (in the picking menu).
Transverse direction:
23. Pick the 4 transverse direction lines.
24. OK to close picking menu.

26. Enter -2 as the Spacing ratio (bias towards top
and bottom walls).
27. OK.
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5.1.3.7. Step 7: Create the finite element mesh.

1. Choose Mapped mesher.
2. Choose Mesh.
3. Pick All.
4. Close the Mesh Tool. (Toggle to the Mesh Tool as necessary.)
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5.1.3.8. Step 8: Create command on the Toolbar.

It is convenient to establish a command on the Toolbar that turns off the display of the triad at the origin. You will
accomplish this by accessing the menu controls on the Utility Menu and then choosing to edit the Toolbar.
Enter the command name and command itself as an abbreviation.
1. Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Edit Toolbar
2. Enter tri,/triad,off.
3. Accept.
4. Close.
5. Execute the triad abbreviation.
The effect of this is to remove the triad from subsequent displays. This
will unclutter the display for results plotting.
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5.1.3.9. Step 9: Apply boundary conditions.

A velocity of 1 inch/second is applied in the X direction (VX) at the inlet, and a zero velocity is applied in the transverse
direction at the inlet (VY in the Y direction). Zero velocities in both directions are applied all along the walls, and a zero
pressure is applied at the outlet. These boundary conditions are being applied to the lines now so that they do not have to be
applied again if remeshing is required.
Apply the inlet boundary condition.
1. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Loads > Define
Loads> Apply> Fluid/CFD> Velocity> On Lines
2. Pick the inlet line (the vertical line at the far left).
3. OK in the picking menu.

4. Enter 1.0 for VX.
5. Enter 0.0 for VY.
6. OK.
Apply the wall boundary conditions. Choose the

lines which make up the walls and then apply zero
velocities in the X and Y directions.
7. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Loads> Define
Loads> Apply> Fluid/CFD> Velocity> On Lines
8. Pick the six lines on the top and bottom.
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9. OK in picking menu.
10. Enter 0.0 for VX and VY.
11. OK to apply the condition.
You will subsequently see that the wall condition

of zero velocity will automatically prevail at the
corners where the inlets intersect the walls.
Apply the outlet condition.
Loads> Apply> Fluid/CFD> Pressure DOF> On
Lines
13. Pick the outlet line (vertical line on the far right).

15. Enter 0 for the Pressure value.
16. Set endpoints to Yes.
17. OK.
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At this point, the finite element model is complete
and the FLOTRAN menus are accessed to specify
the fluid properties along with any other
FLOTRAN controls that may be required.
5.1.4. Solution (Laminar Analysis)

5.1.4.1. Step 10: Establish fluid properties.
Fluid properties will be established for air in the inches set of units, where the unit of mass is (lbf-sec2)/in.
1. Main Menu> Solution> FLOTRAN Set Up>
Fluid Properties
2. Choose AIR-IN for both density and viscosity.
3. OK.
4. OK.
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5.1.4.2. Step 11: Set execution controls.

Choose the execution control from the FLOTRAN Set Up Menu.
Execution Ctrl
2. Enter 40 Global iterations (Note: 40 global iterations is
arbitrary with no guarantee of convergence.)
3. OK to apply and close.
5.1.4.3. Step 12: Change reference conditions.

The reference pressure is changed from the default value of 101 KPa to 14.7 psi to maintain a consistent set of units.
Likewise, the nominal stagnation and reference temperatures are changed from 293oK to 530oR by setting them to 70oR and
adding an offset temperature of 460oR.
1. Main Menu> Solution> FLOTRAN Set Up> Flow
Environment> Ref Conditions
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2. Change the reference pressure to 14.7 psi (equivalent

to 1 atmosphere).
3. Change the nominal, stagnation, and reference
temperatures (in oR) to 70.
4. Change the temperature offset (in oR) from absolute 0
to 460.
5. OK.
5.1.4.4. Step 13: Execute FLOTRAN solution.

1. Main Menu> Solution> Run FLOTRAN
While running the FLOTRAN solution,
ANSYS will plot the "Normalized Rate of
Change" as a function of the "Cumulative
Iteration Number." This is the Graphical
Solution Tracker which allows visual
monitoring of the solution for convergence.
2. Close the information window when the
solution is done.
5.1.5. Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

5.1.5.1. Step 14: Read in the results for postprocessing.
Enter the general postprocessor and read in the latest set of solution results, and then create a vector plot.
1. Main Menu> General Postproc> Read Results>
Last set
5.1.5.2. Step 15: Plot velocity vectors.

1. Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot
Results> Vector Plot> Predefined
2. Choose DOF solution.
3. Choose Velocity V.
4. OK.
The resulting vector plot shows the recirculation region
that occurs in the upper region of the duct.
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5.1.5.3. Step 16: Plot total pressure contours.

1. Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results>
Contour Plot> Nodal Solu
2. Choose Other FLOTRAN Quantities.
3. Choose Total Stagnation Pressure.
4. OK.
The resulting contour plot shows the total static and
dynamic pressures that occur in the duct.
5.1.5.4. Step 17: Animate velocity of trace particles.

Results>Defi Trace Pt
2. Pick two or three points around the inlet region
and one or two points in the recirculation
region (along the upper wall of the transition
region).
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4. Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Animate> Particle
Flow
5. Choose DOF Solution.
6. Choose Velocity VX.
7. OK.
Ignore any warning messages about maximum
number of loops (Choose Close). ANSYS
creates a particle flow path based upon
approximations that do not form closed loops.
The resulting trace plot shows the path of flow
particles through the duct.
8. Make choices in the Animation Controller (not

shown), if necessary, then choose Close.
5.1.5.5. Step 18: Make a path plot of velocity through the outlet.
1. Main Menu> General Postproc> Path
Operations> Define Path> By Nodes
2. Pick the lowest and then the highest point of
the outlet.
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4. Enter OUTLET for the Path Name.

5. OK.
6. File> Close (Windows)
or
Close (X11/Motif)
Now specify the velocity in the X direction

(VX) to map onto the path.
Operations> Map onto Path
8. Enter VELOCITY as label.
11. OK.
Operations> Plot Path Item> On Graph
13. Choose the label VELOCITY that you
previously defined.
14. OK to create path plot.
15. Close any warning messages.
The resulting path plot shows the flow has an almost
fully developed laminar profile. The curve looks
relatively uniform and has a parabolic shape.
Now for the next study, investigate the effects of

increasing the inlet velocity to 50 inches/second.
5.1.6. Solution (Laminar Analysis with Change in Inlet Velocity)
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5.1.6.1. Step 19: Increase the inlet velocity.

The inlet velocity affects the flow profile. Increasing the inlet velocity by a factor of 50 will increase the Reynolds number
accordingly. Return to the apply loads function and change the inlet velocity, then execute the solution from a different
jobname.
2. Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply>
Fluid/CFD> Velocity> On Lines
3. Pick the inlet line (the vertical line at the far left).
4. OK (in picking menu)

5. Enter 50 for VX.
6. Enter 0 for VY.
7. OK.
5.1.6.2. Step 20: Run the analysis.

You will now restart the analysis from the initial result.
An error message appears stating that the
coefficient matrix has a negative diagonal.
ANSYS produced this message because it
uses the Streamline Upwind/PetrovGalerkin (SUPG) advection scheme by
default. Although it is more accurate than
other advection schemes, the SUPG scheme
can lead to spurious oscillations in the
solution, and may cause nonphysical
solutions or convergence difficulties. To
remedy this situation without changing to
another advection scheme, you will first add
some modified inertial relaxation, and then
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will execute the solution again.

2. OK to remove the error message.
3. Close.
4. Main Menu> Solution> FLOTRAN
Setup> Relax/Stab/Cap> MIR
Stabilizatio
5. Enter 0.1 for the Momentum Equation.
6. OK.
Once again, the Graphical Solution Tracker
is displayed.
8. Close.
You will now repeat the preceding
postprocessing steps exactly to show the
effects of the higher inlet velocity. These
steps are as follows:
9. Main Menu> General Postproc> Read
Results> Last Set
13. OK.
5.1.7. Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Inlet Velocity)

1. Main Menu> General
Postproc> Plot Results>
Contour Plot> Nodal
Solu
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2. Choose Other FLOTRAN

Quantities.
3. Choose Total stagnation
pressure.
4. OK.
The resulting contour plot shows
the total static and dynamic
pressures that occur in the duct.

Results> Flow Trace> Defi Trace Pt
2. Pick two or three points around the inlet region
and one or two points in the recirculation region
(along the upper wall of the transition region).

4. Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Animate> Particle
Flow
7. OK.
Ignore the warning messages about maximum
number of loops (Choose Close). ANSYS
creates a particle flow path based upon
approximations that do not form closed loops.
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The resulting trace plot shows the path of flow

particles through the duct.
8. Make choices in the Animation Controller (not

shown), if necessary, then choose Close.
2. Pick the lowest and then the highest point of
the outlet.

4. Enter OUTLET for the Path Name.
5. OK.
(X11/Motif).
or Close
Now specify the velocity in the X direction

(VX) to map onto the path.
11. OK.
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Operations> Plot Path Item> On Graph
previously defined.
The resulting path plot shows the curve has a bias towards one edge of the outlet. This indicates that the flow has not yet fully
developed. (Note that if your plot appears as a mirror image of this one, it is because you reversed the order of picking, that
is, you picked from highest to lowest instead of from lowest to highest points at the outlet.)
Now in the next study, if the length of the duct's outlet region is increased, the flow may reach a fully developed profile.
Increase the duct length by 30 inches.
5.1.8. Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis with Increase in Duct Length)

5.1.8.1. Step 24: Delete pressure boundary condition.
The results for the lower viscosity case indicate that the recirculation region has extended well beyond the outlet. To allow
the flow to fully develop by the time it reaches the exit, it must be given more room to do so.
1. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Loads> Define Loads>
Delete> Fluid/CFD> Pressure DOF> On Lines
2. Pick All (in picking menu) to delete all pressure
boundary conditions.
5.1.8.2. Step 25: Construct additional outlet region.

1. Main Menu> Preprocessor>
Modeling> Create> Areas>
Rectangle> By Dimensions
X1 =10
X2 = 40
Y1 = 0
Y2 = 2.5
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4. OK.
The new rectangle has unique

keypoints and lines. These must be
merged with their counterparts on
the existing areas.
5. Main Menu> Preprocessor>
Numbering Ctrls> Merge Items
6. Choose All for the Type of items to
be merged.
7. OK.
A warning message appears stating
that an unmeshed line is to merged
into a previously meshed line. This
is as it should be. Close the message
box.
8. Close.
5.1.8.3. Step 26: Establish mesh divisions for the new rectangle and mesh.
1. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing>
MeshTool
3. Pick line at new outlet.
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5. Enter 10 for No. of element divisions (as before).
6. Enter -2 for Spacing ratio.

7. Apply.
Repeat the procedure for the upper and lower
lines of the rectangle.
8. Pick lines at the top and bottom of new outlet.

10. Enter 20 for No. of element divisions.
11. Enter 3 for Spacing ratio.
12. OK.
Flip the line bias on the upper line.
13. Choose Lines Flip.
14. Pick the upper line.
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17. Choose Mesh.
18. Pick the outlet area.
19. OK (in picking menu) to begin mesh.
20. Close the Mesh Tool.
5.1.8.4. Step 27: Apply boundary conditions on new region.

You must apply boundary conditions to the new region. You will apply zero velocities in both directions along the walls, and
a zero pressure at the outlet.

Loads> Apply> Fluid/CFD> Velocity> On
Lines
3. Pick the new upper and lower walls that don't
have boundary conditions.
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5. Enter 0 for VX and VY.
6. OK.
Now apply the pressure boundary condition at
the outlet.
Loads> Apply> Fluid/CFD> Pressure
DOF> On Lines
8. Pick the new outlet.

10. Enter 0 for the Pressure value.
11. Set endpoints to Yes.
12. OK to apply the boundary condition.
5.1.9. Solution (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

5.1.9.1. Step 28: Change the jobname and execute solution.
Because the addition of an outlet has changed the problem domain, a new analysis is required. You can start a new analysis
by changing the jobname from the Utility Menu.
Note that a warning message will appear stating that you must exit the Solution processor in order to change the name.
1. Utility Menu> File> Change Jobname
2. Close to exit Solution.
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3. Enter "newLength" for the new

jobname.
4. OK.
Another way to start a new analysis is
by deleting the results file, named file.rfl
(by default). You can delete a file in one
of two ways:
Utility Menu> File> File Operations>
Delete
Pick the file name, then choose OK
OR
Execute a /SYS command and remove
the file with the appropriate operating
system command.
ANSYS will automatically rename an
incorrect results file.
Now execute the new solution.
5. Main Menu> Solution> Run
FLOTRAN
6. Close the information window when
solution is done.
5.1.10. Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

5.1.10.1. Step 29: Read in the new results and plot velocity vectors.
Results> Last Set
5. OK.
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1. Main Menu>
General Postproc>
Plot Results>
Contour Plot>
Nodal Solu
2. Choose Other
FLOTRAN
Quantities.
3. Choose Total
Stagnation Pressure.
4. OK.
The resulting contour plot shows the total static and dynamic pressures that occur in the duct.
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Results>Defi Trace Pt
2. Pick two or three points around the inlet
region and one or two points in the
recirculation region (along the upper wall
of the transition region).

4. Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Animate>
Particle Flow
7. OK.
Ignore the warning messages about
maximum number of loops (choose
Close). ANSYS creates a particle flow
path based upon approximations that do
not form closed loops.
The resulting trace plot shows the path of
flow particles through the duct.
8. Make choices in the Animation Controller

(not shown), if necessary, then choose
Close.
5.1.10.4. Step 32: Make a path plot of the velocity through the outlet.
The outlet velocity profile can be examined with a path plot. First, establish a path for the path plot.
1. Main Menu> General Postproc>
Path Operations> Define Path> By
Nodes
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2. Pick the lowest point, and then the

highest point of the outlet.

4. Enter "outlet" for the path name.
5. OK.
or
Close (X11/Motif)
Now specify the velocity in the X

direction (VX) to map onto the path.
Path Operations> Map onto Path
8. Enter "velocity" as the User label.
9. Choose DOF solution.

11. OK.
Path Operations> Plot Path Item>
On Graph
13. Choose the label VELOCITY that
you previously defined.
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The resulting path plot shows that the flow is almost fully developed. Since the velocity has been increased so much, the flow
may be in the turbulent regime. The next step is to check the Reynold's number and activate turbulence if necessary. A
consequence of the increased diffusion associated with turbulence is a decrease in the size of the recirculation region.
5.1.10.5. Step 33: Calculate Reynolds number.

Calculate Reynolds number in order to determine if the analysis is indeed in the turbulent region (Re > 3000).
Recall that the Reynolds number is determined by the following formula:
Our flow material is AIR, which has the following properties:

p = density = 1.21e-7
V = Velocity = 50
Dh = hydraulic diameter = 2*inlet height = 2
= Viscosity= 2.642e-9
Therefore, Re = 4600, which is turbulent.
So the next step is to restart the analysis using the turbulent model.
5.1.11. Solution (Turbulent Analysis)

5.1.11.1. Step 34: Specify FLOTRAN solution options and execution controls.
Solution Options
2. Choose Turbulent option.
3. OK.
With the increased turbulence resulting from the
low viscosity, the nonlinear effects in the
problem are more pronounced and more global
iterations will be required to achieve a good
solution. You will increase this number in the
Execution Control dialog box.
Page 37 of 41
Execution Ctrl
5. Enter 80 Global iterations.
6. OK.
5.1.11.2. Step 35: Restart the analysis.

Note that this is a restart of the analysis. Restarting an ANSYS FLOTRAN solution requires that the problem domain
(specifically, the nodal geometry) is not changed. Since the only changes that were specified were a change the model (from
laminar to turbulent) and a change in the number of equilibrium iterations, restarting the analysis is acceptable. Therefore, the
solution will pick up where it left off, and 80 global iterations will be executed.
Once again, the Graphical Solution Tracker is
displayed.
2. Close.
You will now repeat the preceding
Page 38 of 41
postprocessing steps exactly to show the

effects of the higher inlet velocity. These steps
are as follows:
Results> Last Set
7. OK.
5.1.12. Postprocessing (Turbulent Analysis)

1. Main Menu> General Postproc> Plot Results>
Contour Plot> Nodal Solu
2. Choose Other quantities.
3. Choose Total Pressure PTOT.
4. OK.
The resulting contour plot shows the total static and dynamic pressures that occur in the duct.
Page 39 of 41

1. Main Menu> General
Postproc> Plot Results> Flow
Trace> Defi Trace Pt
2. Pick two or three points around
the inlet region and one or two
points in the recirculation region
(along the upper wall of the
transition region).

4. Utility Menu> PlotCtrls>
Animate> Particle Flow
7. OK.
Ignore any warning messages
about maximum number of loops
(choose Close). ANSYS creates
a particle flow path based upon
approximations that do not form
closed loops.
The resulting trace plot shows
the path of flow particles through
the duct.
Page 40 of 41
8. Make choices in the Animation

Controller (not shown), if
necessary, then choose Close.
2. Pick the lowest and then the highest
point of the outlet.

4. Enter OUTLET as the Path Name.
5. OK.
6. File> Close (Windows).
or
Close (X11/Motif)
Now specify the velocity in the X

direction (VX) to map onto the path.
11. OK.
Operations> Plot Path Item> On
Graph
Page 41 of 41
previously defined.
Note that with the turbulent model is turned on for the analysis, the flow looks fully developed and the path plot appears to be
flatter on the top (instead of parabolic, as in the laminar analyses). Thus the flow is turbulent and the observed results are as
expected.
5.1.12.4. Step 39: Exit the ANSYS program.

1. Toolbar: QUIT.
2. Choose Quit - No Save!
3. OK.
Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.

Even though you have exited the ANSYS program, you can still view animations using the ANSYS ANIMATE program.
The ANIMATE program runs only on the PC and is extremely useful for:
Viewing ANSYS animations on a PC regardless of whether the files were created on a PC (AVI files) or on a UNIX
workstation (ANIM files).
Converting ANIM files to AVI files.
Sending animations over the web.

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5.1.

Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

Tutorials | Chapter 5. CFD Tutorial |

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

ANSYS Multiphysics, ANSYS FLOTRAN, ANSYS ED

Interactive Time Required:

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Element Types Used:

ANSYS Features Demonstrated:

solid modeling, mapped meshing, defining an

Applicable Help Available:

Overview of FLOTRAN CFD Analyses in the ANSYS

5.1.2. Problem Description

Initial outlet length

Added outlet length

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

*Initial value of 1 will be changed to 50 upon restart.

5.1.2.2. Approach and Assumptions

5.1.2.3. Summary of Steps

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

Solution (Laminar Analysis)

Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

Solution (Laminar Analysis with Change in Inlet Velocity)

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

19. Increase the inlet velocity.

Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Inlet Velocity)

Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis with Increase in Duct Length)

Solution (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

Postprocessing (Laminar Analysis Using New Duct Length)

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

Solution (Turbulent Analysis)

Postprocessing (Turbulent Analysis)

5.1.3. Preprocessing (Laminar Analysis)

5.1.3.2. Step 2: Define element type.

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

5.1.3.3. Step 3: Create rectangle for the inlet region.

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

2. Enter the following:

5.1.3.4. Step 4: Create the outlet rectangle.

5.1.3.5. Step 5: Create the transition region between the rectangles.

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

2. Pick first line (upper line of left rectangle).

3. OK (in picking menu).

5. OK (in picking menu).

7. OK (in picking menu).

9. OK to create the line

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

Now create the third area as an arbitrary area through keypoints.

12. OK in the picking menu.

13. Toolbar: SAVE_DB

5.1.3.6. Step 6: Establish mesh patterns.

10 divisions - bias towards walls

Inlet region, flow direction (X)

15 divisions - bias towards inlet and transition

12 divisions - uniform spacing

Outlet region (initial)

15 divisions - larger elements near outlet

Before attempting this step, plot the lines for clarity.

5.1. Laminar and Turbulent Flow Analyses in a 2-D Duct

2. Main Menu> Preprocessor> Meshing> Mesh

5. Apply (in the picking menu).

The mesh ratio chosen results in smaller