What is CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) in engineering, CFD Simulation, CFD Softwares, Uses & Applications

 

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD ?

 Computational Fluid Dynamics known as CFD is the study of the engineering science, which involves the study of behaviour of Fluids and its impact on the properties of fluids and the object as well, exposed to the fluid. It involves the analysis of fluid flow, pressure, stress-strain & heat conduction etc.by graphical display & numerical calculation solved with the help of  CAE softwares.

CFD is a marvelous engineering tool to solve and analyze complex problems of Fluid Mechanics. Its Major applications are in the field where fluid analysis is frequently required to develop better products such as Aviation, Aerospace, Automotive and HVAC industries. 

Commercial CFD solver softwares uses complex algorithms which converts the physical laws of fluid mechanics in to algebrical equations, so as to solve these equations numerically in an effective manner & in no time.

CFD Softwares

Softwares which are used to perform CFD simulation or to solve CFD problems are known as CFD Solver or softwares. Some are the best commercially available CFD softwares are:-

1. LS-Dyna

2. Simscale

3.Altair

4.OpenFOAM

5.Simcentre

6.SOLIDWORKS

7.Flowsquare

8. Ansys

CFD Simulation 

The Process of performing CFD analysis with the help of CFD softwares known as CFD simulation. Theses CFD softwares generally require a CAD Model to start with, CFD simulation or analysis involves these main stages:-

1. Pre- Processing:-

 The process where the problem statement is converted by the CFD engineer or analyst in to a discrete and ideal computer model. Certain Assumptions are made at this stage acoording to the flow type i.e. transient, steady, compressible, incompressible, viscous, non viscous etc. after that CAD model is meshed and boundary conditions are applied.

2. Solving:-

This stage involves the solving of the problem discrete model, actual computation is performed at this stage by the solver algorithms, it requires a lot of computational power and resources like system memmory, CPU cores etc. A powerful system hardware set results in faster the calculation time.

3. Post-Processing:-

It involves the conversion of data or the output of the solver in to the visual graphics like tables, charts, graphs or animation or pictures so as to conclude the results.

Uses and Applications of CFD

CFD is being used widely in the industries like aerospace, electronics manufacturing, Turbomachinery, HVAC engineering etc. so as to test, modify and alteration of  the products to make more durable enhance and optimize the capabilities in less cost in comparison to the traditional engineering way of developing new prototypes, test in the real environment and then modify again. Following are the few main applications of CFD in various fields:-

1. Simulation of Aerodynamics with the help of CFD on airships, rockets and cars etc.

2. Heat transfer and thermal management analysis on electronics components like cooling fan in laptop.

3. Simulation of capacities of turbomachinery and its components like heavy pumps, valves etc.

4. Simulations of HVAC systems like A.C , industrial fans etc.

5. Simulation of Battery with the help of CFD to solve problems associated with overcharging, rapid drain, heating etc.

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