what is advantage of finite element method in cfd...?

shiva102 · November 24, 2014, 10:03

In fvm the elements are fixed....we are allowing the fluid to enter into the control volume and analysing the flow ..but in fem it is different, elements are the material..it will deform under the application of load...how can we use fem in cfd...could u anyone please explain me basic theory...how its working

Alex C. · November 25, 2014, 09:03

The elements are not the material.

The finite-element method does not implies deformation. As finite volume or finite difference, the finite-element is numerical method to solve differential equation. The physical meaning of the results depends on the physics represented by the differential equations. Specifically, finite-element method allows to find a weak solution to the integral equations.

For structural mechanics, the unknowns are the nodal displacements, therefore the results can be visualized by displacing each node once the solution is found.

In CFD the unknowns of the system of equations is the velocity, the pressure and the temperature. One can apply finite-element formulation to such a problem.

The advantage of finite-element, in my opinion, is its flexibility. Building new elements can be tedious, but is procedural.

November 24, 2014, 10:03	what is advantage of finite element method in cfd...?	#1
shiva102 New Member SIVAKUMAR Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: coimbatore Posts: 13 Rep Power: 12	In fvm the elements are fixed....we are allowing the fluid to enter into the control volume and analysing the flow ..but in fem it is different, elements are the material..it will deform under the application of load...how can we use fem in cfd...could u anyone please explain me basic theory...how its working

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November 25, 2014, 09:03		#2
Alex C. Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 55 Rep Power: 12	The elements are not the material. The finite-element method does not implies deformation. As finite volume or finite difference, the finite-element is numerical method to solve differential equation. The physical meaning of the results depends on the physics represented by the differential equations. Specifically, finite-element method allows to find a weak solution to the integral equations. For structural mechanics, the unknowns are the nodal displacements, therefore the results can be visualized by displacing each node once the solution is found. In CFD the unknowns of the system of equations is the velocity, the pressure and the temperature. One can apply finite-element formulation to such a problem. The advantage of finite-element, in my opinion, is its flexibility. Building new elements can be tedious, but is procedural.