CFD
Welcome to CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics
A Working Definition of CFD
First, break down the words:
Computational - having to do with
mathematics, computation
Fluid Dynamics - the dynamics of
things that flow
CFD - a computational technology
that enables you to study the dynamics of things that flow. Using CFD, you
build a computational model that represents a system or device that you want to
study. Then you apply the fluid flow physics to this virtual prototype, and the
software outputs a prediction of the fluid dynamics. CFD is a sophisticated
analysis technique. It not only predicts fluid flow behavior, but also the
transfer of heat, mass (such as in perspiration or dissolution), phase change
(such as in freezing or boiling), chemical reaction (such as combustion),
mechanical movement (such as an impeller turning), and stress or deformation of
related solid structures (such as a mast bending in the wind).
The Benefits of CFD
Basically, the compelling reasons to use CFD are these
three:
1. Insight: There are
many devices and systems that are very difficult to prototype. Often, CFD
analysis shows you parts of the system or phenomena happening within the system
that would not otherwise be visible through any other means. CFD gives you a
means of visualizing and enhanced understanding of your designs.
2. Foresight: Because
CFD is a tool for predicting what will happen under a given set of
circumstances, it can answer many ‘what if?’ questions very quickly. You give
it variables. It gives you outcomes. In a short time, you can predict how your
design will perform, and test many variations until you arrive at an optimal
result. All of this is done before physical prototyping and testing. The
foresight you gain from CFD helps you to design better and faster.
3. Efficiency: Better
and faster design or analysis leads to shorter design cycles. Time and money
are saved. Products get to market faster. Equipment improvements are built and
installed with minimal downtime. CFD is a tool for compressing the design and
development cycle.
How to Become a CFD User:
There are
essentially two ways to add capability in CFD to your design process: Purchase
CFD Software: if you have the staff resources and ongoing needs to develop an
in-house CFD capability, you may choose to purchase CFD Software. Many
University programs are using CFD software to teach students in fluid dynamics,
and graduates are coming into the marketplace with CFD user skills already in
place. Even without prior training, engineers and analysts can quickly learn
how to use the more user-friendly CFD packages.
Outsource Through a CFD
Consultant: if your need for CFD analysis is not continuous, or you have
special project requirements that demand software customization or high levels
of computing power, you may choose to take advantage of CFD consulting
services. CFD consultants are experts in applying the software to help you
solve problems. Many have the capability to develop customized software and
have large computer networks at their disposal. A consultant can often provide
a timely answer to a critical problem in a very cost effective manner.
Online CFD resources
More on CFD
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