Friday, March 20, 2026 - 10:30
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Seminar
NOTICE OF SEMINAR PRESENTATION
CANDIDATE: Massimo Chiodo
DEGREE SOUGHT: MASc
DATE: 3/20/2026
TIME: 10:30am
PLACE: Room 1102 CEI
TITLE: Lessons Learned in Using CFD to Guide Design of Real-World Systems
Abstract
This seminar presents the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a tool to support the design of a laboratory space intended to house an experimental low-speed fan rig. The facility will be used to investigate different types of inlet distortion under controlled conditions; therefore, external flow disturbances must be minimized to ensure the repeatability of accurate flow measurements. The main challenge in the design of the facility is the identification and mitigation of unwanted Ground Vortex Ingestion (GVI), a phenomenon where vortices are typically sucked into the inlet of a jet-engine fan. Once ingested, variations in the annular velocity field can lead to performance degradation, stall, and the possibility of pulling debris in from the ground. Existing literature describes the influence of floor proximity and the flow conditions required for the formation of GVI. These conditions, along with other facility design considerations, are investigated in this study using CFD to model the interactions between the experimental rig and the facility. The simulations assess how the facility geometry, inlet configuration, and rig placement influence vortex formation and flow recirculation within the room. This presentation will demonstrate how CFD can be a valuable tool in guiding the design and development of real-world experimental systems.(519)253-3000