Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Analysis

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an engineering method for simulating the behavior of systems, processes and equipment involving flow of gases and liquids, heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions and related physical phenomena.

More specifically CFD, or fluid simulation, can be used to

Calculate pressure drops
Predict aerodynamic lift or drag
Predict rotor thrust
Calculate the airflow in air conditioned rooms
Ensure adequate cooling
Optimize mixing rates
Calculate Fluid –Solid Interactions
Visualize airflow and calculate pressures around structures
And many other flow-related tasks.

Fin-stabilized subsonic projectile

The above projectile was designed and “test flown” in a simulated wind tunnel before being fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. The video detailing range tests is here.

Virtual Wind Tunnel

With computerized methods such as CFD, physical testing can be greatly reduced by first running tests in a “virtual wind tunnel” followed by ground-based testing or flight tests.

The projectile at the right was designed using this method and was stable and accurate on its first test.

One great reason we are good at Wind Tunnel simulations – we have run over 40 actual wind tunnel tests.

Well-proven, thoroughly tested software

The ANSYS fluid simulation solvers represent more than 1,000 person-years of research and development.
The CFD core solvers from ANSYS are trusted, used and relied upon by companies worldwide.
Fluid flow analysis technology allows for an in-depth analysis of the fluid mechanics in many types of products and processes.
Reduces the need for expensive prototypes,
Provides comprehensive data that is not easily obtainable from experimental tests.
Designers use it to analyze new systems before deciding which validation tests need to be performed.
Problems are solved faster and more reliably because fluid dynamics analysis highlights the root cause, not just the effect.
When optimizing new equipment designs, many what-if scenarios can be analyzed in a short time.

Analysis