Examples of Computational Fluid Dynamics

CFD is used wherever there is a need to predict fluid flow and heat transfer, or to understand the effects of fluid flow on a product or system. CFD analyzes different properties of fluid flow, such as temperature, pressure, velocity, and density, and can be applied to a broad range of engineering problems across industries, including:

Aerospace and Defense: CFD makes it possible to model the airflow around aircraft to predict lift and drag, known as external aerodynamics. This is important as companies look to optimize aircraft designs for improved performance and decreased fuel usage. CFD can also simulate complex systems within the aircraft's interior, such as cabin air circulation, to predict air quality. Key applications include Avionics cooling, aero-optics, external aerodynamics, cabin HVAC, and propulsion.

 

Ansys Fluent simulation of an external aerodynamics study of a commercial aircraft.

Automotive: In electric vehicles, where e-motors and battery electrochemistry create complex intersections between mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering, CFD allows us to conduct detailed thermal studies throughout the multiphysics system. This can help engineers predict how efficiently the motor is cooled and reduce battery thermal runaway that can cause fires. Key applications include gearbox lubrication, autonomous sensors, aeroacoustics, external aerodynamics, battery modeling, and electric motor cooling.

 

 

A Driver model solved using the Ansys Fluent GPU solver

 

New Energy: As an enabler for decarbonization, hydrogen is a valuable fuel in creating a cleaner planet. CFD allows us to model the full hydrogen value chain—from production to storage, transportation, and consumption. CFD can conduct exploratory studies to learn how hydrogen and other alternative fuels can be used in conventional engines and determine the efficacy of alternative fuel options. Key applications include PEM electrolysis, hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and consumption, and fuel cell utilization.

 

A combustion study performed in Ansys Fluent

 

Healthcare: In the biomedical field, CFD can analyze fluid flows in the human body, such as blood flow through the circulatory system and airflow through the respiratory system. It can also be used to speed the development of medical devices and evaluate the potential efficacy of new medications. Key applications include cardiovascular flow, respiratory system, biopharmaceuticals.