Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is branch of fluid mechanics that uses various methods and algorithms to analyze and solve the problems that are involved in the fluid flows. For performing the calculations, the computers are used; it is used to suggest the relation of liquids and gases with the surface defined by boundary conditions. To get the better solutions the high speed super computers are used.  Fluid flows are encountered in almost all areas of the industry, in particular during the manufacturing and operation of variation machinery and components that we come across. For example, the automotive sector encompasses a different fluid and heat transfer mechanism, such as cooling, combustion, ventilation and aerodynamics.

Computational Fluid Mechanism used

Computational fluid mechanism is used in wide range of industries. The industry that involves the fluid flow and / or heat transfer will surely get benefits from the CFD analysis. The usage of CFD in the industries and in the academic areas, some are listed below.

• Aerospace: Aerodynamics, wing design, missiles, passenger cabin
• Automotive: Internal combustion, underbody, passenger comfort
• Buildings: Clean room, ventilation, heating and cooling
• Civil engineering: Design of bridges, building exteriors, large structures.

Why CFD in the Design of Bridges

The spectacular engineering failure in the 20^th century happened in Tacoma, Washington on 7^th November, 1940. During morning hours the bridge began to roll very strangely in 35mph winds. The oscillation took the form of twisting motion that leads the main section of bridge to tilt in 45 degree angle from its original position. This cause the main span of bridge collapsed.  The disaster of this bridge illustrates the two key points to be noted.

• The fluid mechanics can play a role in the critical occurrence outside the traditional spheres of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
• The study of this occurrence during the design phase of a project will surely save lot of time and money.

CFD objective

In the past few decades the drastic growth of the computer power and application of computational fluid dynamics has changed many things. The object of the CFD is to solve the previously intractable conversation equations for fluids in order to simulate. The CFD allows the study of fluid flow problems in detail, and faster with experiments, costing less money and lowering the risk factor in the design process.

Questions:

• What is CFD?
• How CFD came into function?