Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
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 and react.
This is 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:
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.
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.
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.
Where does Flow Science Inc. software Fit in the World of CFD?
Flow Science Inc. knows that modeling complex flow domains is not simple, so it gives careful attention to each customer’s special modeling needs. As a result, it exposes a significant portion of its program to user interaction, avoiding the “black box” approach applied by other CFD packages. They support a stellar customer base of commercial, academic, and government users around the globe who use FLOW-3D to improve the world on a daily basis, a fact they are very proud of. They take care of these users directly, and through a high-quality channel of affiliated companies (Flow Science Japan, Flow Science Deutschland GmbH, and Flow Science Software Trading Co., Ltd (China)) and independent partners, such as J-ROM Ltd.
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