The science of using supercomputers to solve complex mathematical equations that predict how an object like an aircraft responds to the air flowing around it. CFD is a Tool of Aeronautics that enables engineers to "fly an aircraft in a computer".
Equations that are known are programmed into computers. The computers provide solutions to the problem of external airflow over vehicle shapes. The body of the configuration and the space surrounding it are represented by clusters of points, lines and surfaces; equations are solved at these points. CFD is divided into three steps. Grid generation, numerical simulation and post-process analysis. Here are some examples of CFD data sets.
the science of determining a numerical solution to the governing equations of fluid flow whilst advancing the solution through space or time to obtain a numerical description of the complete flow field of interest
A mathematical description of fluid flow that is applied to an aircraft. The equations governing fluid flow are difficult to solve and hence normally approximated and solved using supercomputers. Search for CFD books on Amazon.co.uk
The computer simulation of fluid flow fields and properties that can be used to predict the behaviour of exhaust gases in the different components of the exhaust system. CFD is frequently used to provide the optimal shape and path of the exhaust system
The physical state of any fluid (gas or liquid) is governed by three fundamental principles - conservation of mass, Newton's second law, and conservation of energy. Computational fluid dynamics is the application of computers to solve the equations that are derived from these three principles.
The simulation or prediction of fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions with computers. Refers to the computational solution of differential equations, such as the Navier-Stokes equations.
computer modelling of the flow behavior or the patterns of flow in a fluid, used for example to describe the complex flow of liquid and solids during flocculation in a thickener and during crystallisation in a stirred precipitator.
CFD is a detailed airflow modeling technique which "solves the governing equations of air motion" to give predictions of pressure, velocity and temperature. CFD allows engineers to reconsider natural ventilation rather than mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.
Computer-aided process for designing fluid paths with maximum flow characteristics.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is one of the branches of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the millions of calculations required to simulate the interaction of fluids and gases with the complex surfaces used in engineering. However, even with simplified equations and high-speed supercomputers, only approximate solutions can be achieved in many cases.
