Simulation goes beyond engineering

Computational fluid dynamics simulation and visualization software vendors are introducing products to extend the value of CFD throughout the product life cycle, according to Acuitiv Software.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and visualization software can be used to explore and research a variety of automotive design features. External flow models have illuminated opportunities to decrease drag over vehicle bodies, optimize down force on racing cars, and reduce buffeting noise from open windows or sunroofs. Internal flow models have been used to investigate cavitation in fuel injection systems, analyze the flow and thermal characteristics of HVAC systems and the resulting cabin comfort levels, and optimize combustion-system performance.

A CFD analyst may use a variety of software to reach a final representation of system behavior. First, the analyst builds a digital model of the system that is meshed by one of several methods, often using specialized software, and boundary conditions are defined. The grid and boundary conditions are used by CFD simulation software as it solves mathematical representations of the physics of fluid flow. The final result is a data file containing values of variables at each grid point (or cell center) in the model. It is up to the analyst, again with the help of software, to interpret that data into useful information.