Physical Properties

1.        Define which physical properties are required:

• Viscosity, density, specific heat, thermal conductivity.

2.        Establish the range of conditions and compositions under which property values will be required, with particular regard to temperature, pressure, species.

3.        Obtain physical property values from appropriate sources, e.g. in-house data, software database, ESDU, etc.

4.        Consider simplification of physical properties.  Near-constant physical conditions may allow property variations to be ignored.

5.        Ensure that the resulting property values and any significant dependencies can be and are set in the CFD model.

6.        Undertake sensitivity tests, if appropriate, to address uncertainty in physical properties.

• Uncertainty may arise from the accuracy of property data.
• Uncertainty may arise from simplifications in property data.