On finite element analysis of fluid flow in ducts with boundary layer correction

A finite element analysis of fluid flow in ducts is demonstrated. The fluid is assumed incompressible and, except in the boundary layer, inviscid. The finite element program ADINAT is used to solve the potential flow portion of the analysis, and a boundary layer calculation method is employed to correct for the viscous boundary layer effects. This procedure is employed to analyze two simple problems. First, a nozzle passage from a steam turbine is considered. The results of the analysis are compared to another solution obtained using finite differences. The flow in a wind tunnel constructed at MIT is then analyzed, and the results are compared to test data.