Abstract

The theory and computer program for finite element analysis of Stokes (creeping) fluid flow is presented. The element is an eight node, two dimensional isoparametric quadrillateral. The element is formulated directly from the Stokes equations of motion, a special case of the Navier-Stokes equations where inertia terms are dropped, using the method of weighted residuals with Galerkin's criterion applied. Velocities in two directions are solved for at all eight nodes while pressure is solved simultaneously at the four corner nodes only. Several test cases have been run with the program. Very good accuracy was achieved in modeling velocity profiles for Couette and Poiseulle flow and for pressure distribution of two lubrication models. In these four cases error was less than 2.5%. Limitations have been pointed out for the types of flow which may be successfully modeled. Flow between two concentric cylinders had an error of 31% between the finite element and exact solutions. Cascades of cylinders and turbine blades are modeled by modeling only one cylinder or blade. The cascade of turbine blades serves to illustrate the potential uses of this technique.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Computational fluid dynamics; Finite element method

Publication Date

1977

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

- Please Select One -

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Sherman, Martin

Advisor/Committee Member

Rieger, Neville

Advisor/Committee Member

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Comments

Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: GV854.9.E6H741994 Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works in February 2014.

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

MECE-MS

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