Originating in the early 1960s, Computational FluidDynamics, also known as CFD(Computational Fluid Dynamics), began to be more widely used in the 1990s due to the development of computer technology in recent years.
O method method is applied by combining numerical calculations and the laws of thermofluid dynamics.
CFD therefore uses numerical simulations to analyze systems with fluid flow, heat transfer and other related phenomena.
What are the steps to do a CFD simulation?
Normally, a simulation with mathematical programs using CFD methodology has three stages: pre-processing, simulation and post-processing.
Pre-processing
In pre-processing, the parameters are defined: study region (domain), geometry and mesh of the problem (discretization of the domain), physical and numerical criteria, among others.
CFD simulation
Simulation involves solving the equations that describe fluid dynamics. In this way, it is possible to obtain the values of the variables of interest, such as velocity, pressure and temperature.
Simulation is only possible due to the discretization of the fluid, generally using the finite volume method. This allows the Navier-Stokes equations to be solved in order to obtain the desired result.
Post-processing
Finally, in post-processing, it is necessary to analyze whether the result achieved is coherent. At this stage, the relevant data is extracted, which can be converted into graphs and tables to make it easier to study the system.
At this stage, it is essential to use the knowledge learned during the academic and professional life of the person carrying out the analysis, especially in thermofluid dynamics subjects.
CFD makes it possible to visualize the distribution of the fluid with regard to the desired variable in different ways. In the case exemplified in Figure 1, both the velocity profile of a fluid inside a combustion chamber and the flow lines were obtained.
It is also possible to simulate flow using three-dimensional videos and observe critical points in a system's operation.
What are the main applications of CFD in industry?
Resolved Analytics conducted a survey of 624 people who use CFD programs. From this data, it was possible to see in which areas of industry Computational Fluid Dynamics is most commonly applied.
The automotive sector recorded the highest percentage of users, with 20%. Followed by the engineering services sector, with 18%. In third and fourth place came the energy and aerospace sectors, with 10%.
Figure 2: Main areas of industry in which CFD is applied - SOURCE: https://www.resolvedanalytics.com/cfd-user-survey-results.
For the areas mentioned, see possible applications of CFD:
- Vehicle design: seeking maximum performance and lowest cost for land, sea and aeronautical vehicles;
- Power plant projects: with the aim of achieving high levels of efficiency and few pollutants;
- Reactor design and operation;
- Studies of fluid flow phenomena in pipes;
- Analysis and optimization in industries that use heating or cooling in process equipment.
It is also vale noting the increasing use of CFD in biomedical applications. Its application to the study of fluid flow in the human body is a trend and could grow considerably over the next few years.
A great example of the application of CFD in the automotive field, carried out by Kot, is the aerodynamic modeling of a racing prototype with the aim of developing a rear wing to increase downforce. With the design of the wing configuration ready, it was possible to simulate it and the result was an increase in downforce values of 75%.
Figure 3: Aerodynamic simulation on a racing prototype - SOURCE: Kot Collection.
Another interesting situation is the thermofluid dynamic study of equipment that is part of a dedusting system. Kot's study was based on an analysis of the behavior of the water flow inside the cooling pipe circuit and the distribution of temperature and pressure in the pipe. Finally, the different rates of heat transfer between the fluids and the structure were compared.
Figure 4: Temperature distribution along the pipe - SOURCE: Kot Collection.
However, applications should not be limited to the main industries. Computational fluid dynamics can be used in projects and analysis in the most diverse sectors involving fluid handling.
Why use CFD tools?
The option of using CFD software can greatly facilitate the development of new projects that use heat and fluids in their production process, as well as helping to obtain solutions for these processes. This is because, without computer simulations, it would be necessary to build several prototypes for analysis, which would make engineering more costly and time-consuming.
Computational Fluid Dynamics allows tests to be carried out in different scenarios by changing parameters. In this way, it is possible to see which ones would perform poorly and find the ideal scenario more easily. As a result, the prototype is only built for the models in which good performance has been achieved.
In addition, the construction of prototypes can be financially unfeasible or difficult to access, depending on the system being analyzed. This is not the case with computational fluid dynamics. The use of CFD tools makes it possible to analyze phenomena that occur in internal and confined spaces, where a visualization of the phenomenon studied in a physical model would not be possible or too expensive.
All of this makes it possible to reduce the time spent on the project, thanks to identifying faults early on. It also reduces costs because, as explained above, making changes to the simulation is cheaper than building a new prototype.
Not just for projects, CFD is also essential for checking the operation of existing systems. Clogging, high temperatures, high pressures and low yields are common problems in industry, and the cause can be identified through simulations. Finding solutions in these cases is essential to avoid system breakdowns or production stoppages.
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