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Compressible Flow Simulations in OpenFOAM
Rating: 5.0 out of 5(1 rating)
6 students

What you'll learn

  • Develop a solid understanding of compressible flow governing equations and their numerical treatment in OpenFOAM
  • Distinguish between density-based and pressure-based solution approaches for compressible flows
  • Understand the working principles and limitations of rhoCentralFoam and rhoPimpleFoam
  • Set up, run, and manage compressible flow simulations for low-speed, transonic, and high-speed regimes
  • Select appropriate solvers, numerical schemes, and time-stepping strategies based on flow conditions
  • Analyze solver behavior, stability, and convergence characteristics through practical examples
  • Interpret simulation results and assess their physical accuracy using post-processing tools
  • Apply rhoCentralFoam and rhoPimpleFoam to real-world compressible flow problems with confidence

Course content

4 sections • 5 lectures • 1h 0m total length

  • Introduction11:43

    In this lecture, we explore the fundamentals of the rhoCentralFoam solver in OpenFOAM, a density-based compressible flow solver well-suited for shock-dominated problems. We discuss the governing equations (continuity, momentum, and energy), conservative variables, and the role of the equation of state. The lecture also covers turbulence modeling options, shock-capturing numerical schemes (TVD), explicit time integration, and thermo/transport property settings. This session provides theoretical insights into how rhoCentralFoam works and when to use it, with practical simulations to be covered in the next lecture.

Requirements

  • Basic understanding of fluid mechanics (continuity, momentum, and energy equations)
  • Introductory knowledge of thermodynamics relevant to compressible flows
  • Familiarity with numerical methods used in CFD (discretization, stability, convergence)
  • Prior experience with OpenFOAM fundamentals, including case structure and basic solvers
  • Ability to independently install, configure, and run OpenFOAM dot com (v2412 or newer) on a local system (Linux, WSL, or native setup).
  • Comfortable using the command line for running simulations and post-processing

Description

Compressible flows are fundamental to many engineering applications, including high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, gas dynamics, and energy systems, where variations in density, pressure, and temperature strongly influence flow behavior. Accurately simulating these flows requires not only a solid understanding of compressible flow physics, but also the ability to select and apply appropriate numerical solvers. This course is designed to provide a focused and practical introduction to compressible flow simulations using OpenFOAM, with particular emphasis on the widely used solvers rhoCentralFoam and rhoPimpleFoam.

Throughout the course, you will develop a clear understanding of how compressible flow governing equations are formulated and implemented within OpenFOAM. Special attention is given to the fundamental differences between density-based and pressure-based solution approaches, and how these differences impact solver stability, accuracy, and performance across different flow regimes. By studying both rhoCentralFoam and rhoPimpleFoam side by side, you will learn how each solver is designed, what assumptions it makes, and when it should be preferred for low-speed, transonic, or high-speed compressible flows.

The course strongly emphasizes hands-on learning. In addition to concise theoretical explanations, you will work through guided simulations and practical examples that demonstrate real solver behavior. You will learn how to set up compressible cases, define appropriate thermophysical models, choose numerical schemes, control time-stepping, and monitor convergence. Supplied case files and examples allow you to directly explore how solver settings influence solution stability and physical accuracy, helping you build intuition that goes beyond textbook theory.

By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently set up, run, and analyze compressible flow simulations in OpenFOAM, and make informed decisions about solver selection for your own applications. Whether you are a student, researcher, or practicing engineer, this course will equip you with the practical knowledge needed to bridge the gap between compressible flow theory and real-world CFD simulations using OpenFOAM.

Who this course is for:

  • Engineering students who want to deepen their understanding of compressible flow physics and CFD modeling
  • Researchers working in aerodynamics, propulsion, gas dynamics, or energy systems using CFD
  • CFD engineers and professionals seeking practical experience with compressible flow solvers in OpenFOAM
  • OpenFOAM users who are comfortable with basic simulations and want to advance into compressible flow applications
  • Learners interested in understanding the differences between density-based and pressure-based solvers
  • Practitioners aiming to apply rhoCentralFoam and rhoPimpleFoam to real-world low-speed, transonic, or high-speed flow problems

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