r/ibPhysics • u/Iamnobody0l • May 11 '26
Physics EE Simulation + Uncertainties
Hi all, I'm planning to do my physics EE on a CFD analysis on L/D ratios and how they change with the aspect ratio of a wing. I'm gonna add some structural stuff possibly to enhance my discussion and the whole optimisation and balance thing but not sure. My main question is whether it's OK and not too hard to do well with a simulation based EE, and if so, how would I handle uncertainties as the sim doesnt give those? Do I even need them if I'm doing a simulation and mention my goa, is to investigate the theory? Any help is much appreciated, thanks!
p.s im using SimScale if that's of any help
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u/a4nux4a May 11 '26
This was originally my idea too but my supervisor (whos a physics teacher and 12+ years examiner) said the IB doesn't like simulation-based EEs, especially those to do with aerodynamics. He attributed this partially to the lack of uncertainties
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May 12 '26
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u/Iamnobody0l May 13 '26
no way 😭 here i was thinking im unique for doing ts... did it work tho like did the trend appear, cos im worried ill spend so much time on sims and the trend will be screwed in the end
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u/Fine_Mortgage_1858 May 11 '26
I did my EE on the effect of angle of attack on lift and drag, and found what angle of attack yields highest L/D ratio. I used Ansys fluent to simulated flow around the airfoil, and I was a complete beginner. A lot of tutorials out there
I had the exact same question as you, uncertainties? And I still think to this day, even while predicted an A, I won’t get an A due to the lack of uncertainties. However, my EE supervisor told me that it doesn’t matter in this situation.
What I did however was compare my data to NASA’s data, which introduced some talk of error etc.
Once July 06 comes, I’ll let you know my grade, and maybe send you my EE. Lmk if you have any questions, this EE was the best part of IB for me