Beginner`s guide: What is Computational Fluid Dynamics?

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software has become an essential tool for reducing development costs by enabling users to quickly machine more realistic geometries.

CFD is a simulation tool for the analysis of complex thermal and fluidic phenomena. It is crucial for the safety of many products we use every day, such as a car or even the house we live in. Visualizing the intricate movements of a gas or liquid stream can be very complicated. By implementing simulation software like SC/Tetra into the workflow, analyzing these movements is easier than ever. It allows users to predict the performance of their products before physical testing. This results in an optimized design at an early stage of the product development cycle. In some cases, simulation can even completely replace the need for physical testing. By using SC/Tetra, engineers gain an understanding of this type of motion and an easy-to-use tool that anyone can implement.

The role of CFD in engineering.

One of the most important expectations of today`s product-driven companies is to bring high value-added products that meet customer needs to market quickly. In addition, successful companies proactively identify application scenarios that can lead to unsatisfactory performance, product defects and customer dissatisfaction and/or develop design solutions that minimize potential risks.

Thermofluid analysis software is essential for product development to ensure that the best product concepts are identified early in the design process. Design quality is improved during the concept phase by conducting fundamental studies of fluid and thermal phenomena that directly affect product performance. During the detailed design phases, simulations are performed under conditions similar to those experienced by the actual product. Based on this work, designers can understand the cause of problems that limit performance and investigate alternative design solutions before production begins.

In practice, CFD software is used in the following areas:

• Aerospace and defense: ultrasonic and supersonic flow, vehicle aerodynamics, conjugate heat transfer.
• Automotive: cabin climate, aeroacoustic noise, liquid sloshing, exhaust gas, aerodynamics, engine cooling, defrosting, transmission.
• Consumer good: acoustics, passive/active cooling, bycycle helmets.
• Electronics: parts manufacturers, PCB thermal analysis, cooling, LED analysis.
• Shipbuilding: acoustics, propeller design, cavitation.
• Machinery: large fans, gas turbines, wind turbines, steam turbines, pumps, washing machines, turbochargers.

We hope that our article has given you a first brief overview of CFDs. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment below.

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