Rotating Disk CFD Simulation

This beginner-level episode introduces mechanical engineering students and professionals to the concept of moving walls and their effects on surrounding airflow, using the example of a rotating disk. Participants will learn to simulate and analyze the influence of a rotating surface on fluid dynamics using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software.

Key topics:

Introduction to moving wall boundary conditions in fluid dynamics
Applications of rotating disks in mechanical engineering (e.g., turbomachinery, hard drives, centrifugal pumps)
Setting up a simple rotating disk model in CFD software
Defining appropriate boundary conditions for the rotating disk and surrounding fluid domain
Implementing basic turbulence models for rotating flows
Analyzing the velocity field and pressure distribution around the rotating disk
Visualizing the formation of boundary layers and secondary flows
Interpreting simulation results to understand the impact of disk rotation on surrounding airflow

By the end of this episode, participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how moving walls, particularly rotating surfaces, affect fluid flow. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation for further studies in fluid dynamics, turbomachinery, and other applications involving moving boundaries in mechanical engineering.