Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of A Flying Frisbee

Abstract

In this paper, theoretical analysis and mathematical simulation are used to explore the physical mechanism of a flying frisbee. First, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies were conducted to explore the flow characteristics around a flying frisbee. Second, by analyzing the forces acted on the frisbee and deriving the governing equations describing the movement of the frisbee, a numerical algorithm which can quickly evaluate the trajectory of a flying frisbee was developed. The effects of the testing parameters on the behavior of the frisbee movements were investigated, and the optimal control parameters were discussed. Third, A Graphical-user-interface was developed and thus the algorithm can be easily used by public. The results of this study can provide theoretical evidence for the optimal design and setting for the frisbee.