Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become a powerful tool in engineering and design. Using transport phenomena equations, numerical methods, and algorithms, CFD allows engineers to simulate and analyse the behaviour of fluids and gases in complex systems. The applications of CFD are vast and span a wide range of industries. This article explores some of the major industrial applications of computational fluid dynamics and how it has revolutionised engineering processes.
The basic principle of CFD is the representation of fluid behaviour by the equations of transport phenomena, which govern the changes in the amount of motion, mass and energy associated with the velocity, density and temperature of the fluid. In addition, other phenomena such as chemical reactions and solid entrainment can be included. Due to the complexity of CFD models, their simulation is based on the use of numerical methods that discretise the equations allowing them to be solved in an approximate manner by computational algorithms.
What are the industrial applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)?
The use of CFD is based on the construction of a digital twin. This is a virtual representation of a process or equipment. For example, this could be the transport of liquid waste through a pipeline, a stirred reactor or an activated sludge treatment plant. These virtual replicas are used to run in silico experiments before changes are made and implemented in real systems, in order to gather data to predict and optimise their operation.
By creating a digital twin, the CFD process can help companies select the best reactor geometry or process operating conditions, for example. Through virtual prototyping, key features can be studied to optimise the efficiency and performance of industrial processes, such as those in the aerospace or automotive industries.