Introduction

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) -- The science of determining a numerical solution to the governing equations of fluid flow while advancing the solution through space or time to obtain a numerical description of the complete flow field of interest.

CFD allows you to predict fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions (explosions) and related phenomena, and is used in almost all industrial sectors; food processing, water treatment, marine engineering, automotive, aerodynamics and gas turbine design. Computational Fluid Dynamics software lets you analyze your fluid flow problems in detail, faster than testing, at an earlier stage in the design cycle, for less money and with lower risk.

The foundation on which CFD is built is the Navier-Stokes equations, the set of partial differential equations that describe fluid flow. With CFD, the area of interest is subdivided into a large number of cells or control volumes. In each of these cells, the Navier-Stokes partial differential equations can be rewritten as algebraic equations that relate the velocity, temperature and pressure, for example. in that cell to those in all of its immediate neighbours. The resulting set of equations can then be solved iteratively, yielding a complete description of the flow throughout the domain.

By solving the fundamental equations governing fluid flow processes, CFD provides information on important flow characteristics such as pressure loss, flow distribution and mixing rates. CFD analysis complements traditional testing and experimentation, providing you with added insight and confidence in your designs. The results are better designs, lower risk and faster time to the marketplace for your product or process.