Three Uses For Fluid Flow Simulations

Process engineering software simulates a variety of physical processes in the world, from chemical processes to bioengineering. One of the most challenging yet useful applications of this software is fluid dynamics, which includes both liquids and air. Here are three uses for these sorts of simulations.

Vehicle Aerodynamics

The automobile industry is one of the main industries that find computational fluid dynamics (CFD) useful for their work. These simulations will use information about the body of the vehicle on hand and use the software to model how air flows in and around the car. This study of aerodynamics is useful as more aerodynamic cars can move faster even with unfavorable winds, which results in better fuel economy. Even if the CFD model is expensive to run, manufacturers don't have to build entire physical prototypes to test fuel economy with, so companies can save money in the long run while transferring some of those savings to the consumer as well.

HVAC Mechanics

Engineers working with systems of heating, cooling, ventilation, and other sciences involving air and temperature can find CFD simulations helpful by simulating the movement of both air and heat. They can take the idealized measurements of AC units or anything they can program in and let the software show them how certain air qualities would shift. This can be helpful for designing new products with air ventilation in mind, such as electronics and car heaters, or even expanding what we know about HVAC-related engineering in general.

Mineral Fluid Dynamics

Some "high-rheology" materials can become liquids if enough stress and heat are applied such as plastic and glass, so fluid simulations can be useful. These simulations can model the various ways manufacturers and engineers can manipulate these materials. With enough models, the researchers and industrialists can analyze the various simulations (with the help of the software) and find the most efficient method to manipulate the solids into liquids, and back again. The simulation that uses the least amount of force and heat for the same materials will be the most helpful for reducing costs and energy usage.

Overall, there are many different and overlapping uses for computerized fluid dynamic simulations, and this process engineering software is incredibly helpful for engineers, manufacturers, and other industrialists looking for the most efficient use of resources. CFD simulations can increase the efficiency and understanding of vehicle aerodynamics, airflow around and within HVAC units, and even how plastic and metals react under pressure. This software is incredibly important to a variety of careers and is sure to continue its advancement.

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