1. Running head: URECA Final Report 1
URECA Final Report on the Minimization of Air Resistance Through the use of Computational
Flow Dynamics
Salman K. Rahmani
Middle Tennessee State University
Author’s Note:
Any questions or concerns regarding this document should be directed towards Salman Rahmani
at 615-351-1114 or Salmanr96@gmail.com

2. URECA Final Report 2
Introduction
For the duration of my research, I have assisted another undergraduate student by the
name of Nick Myhre to observe how slight modifications to a particular geometry affects its drag
coefficient. Not only did we observe the drag coefficient of the geometry, we also examined the
pressure and velocity of air particles around the object. The main part of my research however
was to simply learn and get acclimated to the software in which we were using to conduct the
simulations (ANSY-Fluent). A brief summary of some of the principals that I have learned
throughout the course of my research are: how to export a geometry from Inventor into ANSYS,
create a mesh within ANSYS, input parameters within ANSYS for a simulation, and some of the
most basic mathematical principals of engineering regarding fluid mechanics (series expansions
of unsolvable equations and vectors).
Methods
Not only is the topic of research important, but the methods we select are amongst equal
importance as well. The way Nick and I ran our project was to make it as efficient as possible
whilst minimizing the chance for error. We decided that for the first two weeks of the project,
Nick and I would meet at the same time in the lab so he could teach me the basics of how to use
ANSYS, such as meshing and inputting parameters for the simulation. The next few weeks
consisted of me materializing all the geometries we would need for the research within Inventor
(An Autodesk licensed rendering software). After that was done, we concluded that we should
perform our work separately so that I could import the geometries from Inventor onto ANSYS,
mesh it, and upload it to the setup window where Nick would input all the parameters, and run
the simulation. This way, I could work on what I knew how to do while Nick was in class and
Nick could finish up the simulation while I was attending my lectures.

3. URECA Final Report 3
Although I have discussed the methods of how we performed our research in the sense of
time management, I feel as if the topic of Methods isn’t complete until I have explained some of
the methods used within the software for Nick and I’s simulations. Well, we begin by first
creating our desired geometry on a rendering software; for our project I decided to use Inventor
due to the fact that I feel a bit more comfortable with it. Then, I would import the geometry into
ANSYS (our simulation software) and “Mesh” it. Meshing is the act of creating an overlay of 3-
D shapes that will act as monitors to see what each air particle is doing while it’s within that
shape. Once the mesh is complete and refined, we then upload the geometry to a setup which is
where we input all the parameters and solution methods that we would like the simulation to use.
For example, Nick and I would have to specify the type of fluid that the object is moving
through, its velocity, input the pressure of the surroundings of the geometry, specify the
temperature of the surroundings, and much more. Once we input the parameters of the
simulation, we create “monitors” which tells the computer what we would like to observe from
the simulation (such as pressure, particle velocity, etc), which the computer will then
automatically write Microsoft Excel files for as the simulation is running which displays the
data. Once the simulation is done, Nick and I repeat these steps with the next geometry.
Applications
This research was extremely beneficial in my learning experience in the sense that it
opened my eyes to some of the software and methods that aerospace engineers as well as other
engineers use on a day to day basis. For example, ANSYS-Fluent can be used to approximate the
drag coefficient of aircraft as it moves throughout a particular system, or it can be used by a
mechanical/fluid engineer at one of Exxon’s oil rigs to try and estimate the pressure in a petrol
pipe to try and reduce the chance of it rupturing.

4. URECA Final Report 4
This research also provided me with a skillset to pursue my dream job, it will also assist
me in being selected for a particular internship or research program that I might not have been
able to do without the knowledge that I have gained. A wonderful example of this is that I am
now trying to apply for a summer research program at Texas A&M University observing fluid
flow. One of their preferred qualifications among applicants is that we take a class on fluids;
although I have not yet, the fact that I have performed research in regards to fluid flow gives me
a solid chance on being selected.
Furthermore, it will help me with my future courses such as mathematics and fluid
dynamics. Throughout the course of this research I was learning new mathematical concepts that
were beyond my mathematics class’s curriculum. For example, I learned how to calculate simple
vectors on a 2-D plane (a method in calculus 3 which I have not taken yet), how to expand a
function into a series to try and help approximate the solution (an advanced calculus 2 concept),
and how to calculate the viscosity of a fluid (a concept in fluid dynamics which is also a course I
have not taken yet).
Thank You
Although some individuals might not consider a thank you section within a final report to
be professional, I believe the exact opposite; that giving thanks to those who put so much faith
within you is of the utmost professionalism. I would like to begin by thanking the URECA
committee who granted me the opportunity to perform this research and help prepare me for my
future. I also would like to thank Dr. Callender for being an exemplary mentor throughout this
project and guiding me as I pursue my dream of being an Aerospace Engineer. And last of all, I
would like to thank Nick Myhre, for being an incredible friend and research partner who taught
me all that I know about fluid flow.