HI, I'm a student and working on a thesis about a 3D optimizzation of form of a naval rudder. I obtained good results considering the rudder in free stream, but now I want to add a propeller in the model. I know, in Fluent, I can represent the propeller not physically by its geometry in the flow, instead its effect is included in the model by prescribing an axial and tangential body force distribution at the propeller disk. I have two questions:

1. How can I impose body forces in a fluid domain in FLUENT?

2. How can I impose these forces on the RANS grid at the points which lie within the propeller disk?

Thanks.

Very interesting job! I would define a region in your volume and add a momentum and energy source to represent the propeller. Otherwise have a look at the manual and see if fan boundary condition may satisfy you.Good luck Luca