Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD is the application of software to model fluid flow and predict its behaviour. Depending on its application, CFD may be combined with the prediction of heat exchange, two-phase flow or chemical reactions.

Where is it used?

Fluid flow problems exist in almost all industries, from medical device to aerospace and from architecture to pharmaceutical. CFD can be used to investigate these flow problems, provide a better understanding of the flow phenomena and enable engineers to develop better designs. CFD provides a visual representation of the flow patterns, in addition to values of pressure, velocity and temperature at every location in the system.

Advantages

CFD augments physical testing as it allows evaluation of the effect of design changes faster than the traditional prototype and test approach. The wealth of information obtained by CFD regarding the flow at any location is vast compared with that feasible from a physical test.
The primary advantages of using Computational Fluid Dynamics are increased engineering productivity through the use of less physical prototypes and faster evaluation of design changes, as well as higher levels of innovation through increased core knowledge and intellectual property.
The advantages of CFD over physical prototype testing are not just confined to the reduced time and cost, but also include the increased data which can be obtained. By providing detailed flow data at each point in the model, a CFD analysis enables engineers to visualise the entire flow field and to easier understand the pertinent flow dynamics of the system.

Information Obtained

Using the power of Computational Fluid Dynamics we can provide you with extremely detailed information regarding your product, process or system:
- Performance characteristics: hydraulic efficiency, torque, forces
- Fluid velocities, pressure distribution, temperatures, flow rates
- Flow visualisation, residence times, dead zones
- Flow phenomena: vortices, recirculation, shockwaves, cavitation / flashing
- Particle tracking, erosion, settling and separation, mixing
- Multi-Phase flow, chemical reactions, momentum heat and mass transfer