What Is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software?
CFD software is a method of clarifying the flow of various materials and phenomena by solving fluid dynamic equations on a computer.
It is applied to the design and development of products and equipment by reproducing various flow phenomena on a computer.
It is not necessary to actually fabricate prototypes and conduct experiments, and simulations can be performed on a computer, which saves time and money.
Furthermore, even complex flow phenomena (e.g., turbulence) that are difficult to analyze experimentally can be reproduced.
Uses of CFD Software
CFD software is used in various fields that deal with fluids.
For example, CFD software is used in the design and development of automobiles and airplanes, where aerodynamic drag must be taken into account.
Depending on the design, this can have a significant impact on driving and flying performance, and can lead to improved fuel efficiency.
In addition, understanding the characteristics of gases and liquids flowing in pipes is fundamental knowledge for various infrastructures (electric power, water, gas). This is where CFD software is used to analyze fluids.
Principles of CFD Software
CFD stands for computational fluid dynamics.
CFD software has advanced with the remarkable development of computer performance and the practicality of numerical analysis of flow phenomena.
Since around 1970, the use of supercomputers has gradually become more widespread and has helped to drive the progress of CFD technology.
Even flow phenomena that are difficult to analyze experimentally can be reproduced by numerical simulation using the Navier-Stokes equations.
In particular, CFD software simulations play an important role in turbulence problems, which are still unsolved problems that cannot be analyzed classically.
Simulations often use simplified physical models to analyze fluid motion, which leads to errors with the actual flow.
If a detailed physical model is defined for more accurate simulation, the amount of calculations to be processed increases, so high-spec hardware and software are required.
In this case, a supercomputer can be used to perform a huge amount of arithmetic and graphics processing at a high speed.