Question

Which type of grids is the best for flow over an airfoil?

• A. Stretched grids
• B. Adaptive grids
• C. Boundary-fitted grids
• D. Elliptic grids

Hint:

When setting up a simulation for flow over an airfoil, consider using adaptive grid refinement techniques to capture critical aerodynamic features like shock waves and boundary layers accurately.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Analyze Grid Types.
- Stretched grids are useful for regions of high gradient but do not dynamically adjust to flow features.
- Adaptive grids dynamically adjust their resolution based on the flow characteristics, providing high resolution where needed, such as around the airfoil where flow gradients are high.
- Boundary-fitted grids conform to the geometry of the boundary but are not necessarily adaptive to flow features.
- Elliptic grids are generated solving elliptic PDEs, good for smooth grid distribution but less adaptive in real-time.

Step 2: Best Choice for Airfoil Flows.
Adaptive grids are considered the best choice for simulating flow over airfoils because they can adapt to changes in flow conditions, such as separation or shock waves, and refine the grid in areas of interest to capture critical flow phenomena accurately.