[openfoam_user]

Dear users,

I am a new user but have already done a few tutorials and a simple 3D case (flow around a sphere).

Which solver do you recommend for external aerodynamics around :
-cars (Euler and Navier-Stokes)
-aircrafts in subsonic regime (Euler and Navier-Stokes)
-aircrafts in supersonic regime (Euler and Navier-Stokes)

All comments are welcome !

Regards,

Stephane

[madad2005]

I'd recommend RANS for them all, but you could get away with Euler for supersonic flow as angles of attack are generally quite low. Best turbulence model for aerospace applications is SA, but the Mentor SST model is probably the most capable overall for all the models. IMO!

[openfoam_user]

Ciao Adriano,

could tell me the name of the OpenFOAM solvers ?

Regards,

Stephane.

[madad2005]

Hi Stephane,

I think rhoCentralFoam is your best option for most of those cases. However, there is always the option of using an incompressible solver if you are around the M = 0.3 mark or below.

What are you working on? Is it a University-based project?

Regards,

Adriano

[openfoam_user]

Hi Adriano,

It is not a University-based project. I just want to learn using OpenFOAM.

I have to learn it step by step :
- importing grids done with ICEMCFD Hexa
- choosing the right flow solver (because there is a lot of solvers inside OpenFOAM) !!!
- doing external aerodynamics (cars and aircrafts)
- doing post-processing (plotting residuals, forces, coefficients, ...)
- doing hydrodynamics calculations (marine propellers and ships)

Adriano, for how long are you using OpenFOAM ?

Look at the website of my company !

www.cfse.ch

Stephane.

[madad2005]

Hi Stephane,

Not much longer than you! :-) I also find the numerous solvers and different dict files confusing at times. I have plenty of experience using Hexa, though. The best way, I think, is to write out a fluent .msh file, or a STAR-CD .ccm file, and use one of the supplied converters to foam.

External aerodynamics of cars using hexa is going to be a tough task. How do you plan to mesh inside the wheel? Nonetheless, you should really use a compressible, turbulent flow solver for the aircraft work, and an incompressible flow solver for the vehicle work (excluding the airbox).

For post-processing, my personal opinion is parafoam is very difficult to use and has a steep learning curve. I'd recommend a trial license of Tecplot, which I've found to be the most pleasing of the big three.

I use OpenFOAM more as a diversion than for serious research. I'd hope someone else here who uses it on a more regular basis can offer you more expert assistance than myself.

Regards,

Adriano