AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its application to machines and energy systems in the maritime sector. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, students will develop the skills necessary for the proficient and informed use of CFD, while cultivating a critical awareness of the key challenges and nuances in numerical modelling.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental theoretical principles of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), including the conservation laws governing thermo-fluid dynamics, the definition of the computational domain, and the main numerical discretization techniques, in order to assess the capabilities and limitations of numerical simulations.

2. Correctly set up a CFD model using commercial software by selecting and defining the most appropriate numerical parameters (computational domain, mesh type, boundary conditions, turbulence models, heat transfer models, and convergence criteria) according to the engineering problem under investigation.

3. Develop critical awareness in the selection of numerical modeling strategies, understanding the influence of assumptions and approximations on simulation results.

4. Simulate and analyze representative applications in the maritime field, including:

   • The simulation of fluid flow in a pipe, aimed at evaluating pressure losses and heat transfer phenomena between the fluid and the wall.

   • The simulation of exhaust gas plume dispersion from a ship funnel, with particular attention to its interaction with the external aerodynamic field and possible interference with onboard superstructures.

   • The fluid dynamic analysis of fluid machinery components, including flow field evaluation and performance assessment.

5. Critically interpret simulation results, evaluating their reliability and identifying possible sources of error associated with numerical modeling.

6. Acquire practical skills in the use of CFD software, including post-processing techniques for analyzing key flow quantities and deriving useful information for the design and optimization of components and systems.

The course is not limited to the technical use of CFD software; it aims to develop a critical and engineering-oriented understanding of computational fluid dynamics. Students will be prepared to select and apply numerical tools appropriately for maritime engineering applications and to effectively discuss simulation methodologies and design solutions with suppliers, consultants, and industrial partners in professional environments.

TEACHING METHODS

The course combines theoretical lectures with hands-on exercises using CFD software widely adopted in industrial practice.

The Ansys Student platform will be used throughout the course. This software is freely available to students, subject to the limitations established by the provider, and will be employed to carry out practical exercises representative of the course topics and aligned with the intended learning outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics:

• Physical and mathematical modeling of fluid flow problems and definition of boundary conditions;
• Numerical discretization techniques and solution schemes;
• Introduction to turbulence modeling;
• Computational mesh generation techniques;
• CFD applications to the analysis of maritime systems and ship components, including exhaust gas plume dispersion from ship funnels and its interaction with onboard superstructures, as well as flow and heat transfer in pipe systems;
• CFD applications to fluid machinery, including the analysis of flow fields and performance evaluation of machine components.

The course contributes to one or more of the following specific objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs):

• Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all;

• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in their learning and professional development;

• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

The course also contributes to the development of students’ transferable skills, particularly with regard to functional literacy and technical communication competencies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

J. Anderson: “Computational Fluid-Dynamics”, McGraw-Hill, 1995;

J.Tannehill, D.Anderson, R.Pletcher: “Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer“,McGraw-Hill, 1984;

In addition, lecture notes and supporting course materials are available on AulaWeb for both attending students and working students.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam, including a discussion of the written reports prepared by the student on the simulation activities carried out during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will consist of a critical discussion of the practical CFD exercises carried out during the course, aimed at assessing the student's understanding of the application of CFD techniques to fluid machinery and energy systems in the maritime field. The discussion will be complemented by a question on the theoretical topics covered in the lectures, with the objective of evaluating not only the student's level of knowledge but also their ability to critically analyze numerical modeling and simulation problems.

FURTHER INFORMATION

During the course, students will be organized into working groups and assigned different case studies to be developed through practical CFD simulations using the software introduced in class. For each activity, students will be required to prepare a technical report and submit it by the deadlines communicated during the course.

Students are requested to contact the teacher by email to arrange the date of the oral exam.