What is CFD ?

 CFD stands for computation fluid dynamics, a branch of engineering

analysis that focuses on analyzing problems that influence fluid flows.
 At a very basic level, CFD is the science of predicting fluid flow, heat
transfer, mass transfer, chemical reactions, and other related
phenomena by solving mathematical principles that govern these
processes.
 CFD is highly interdisciplinary, using principles from physics, applied
mathematics, and computer science to make predictions.
 Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate
the free-stream flow of the fluid, and the interaction of the fluid
(liquids and gases) with surfaces defined by boundary conditions.
 Why to use CFD ?
• CFD analyses have a great potential to save time in the design process and are therefore cheaper
and faster compared to conventional testing for data acquisition.
• Furthermore, in real life tests a limited amount of quantities is measured at a time, while in a CFD
analysis all desired quantities can be measured at once, and with a high resolution in space and
time.
• Applying the fundamental laws of mechanics to a fluid gives the governing equations for a
fluid, The conservation of mass equation is,

• These equations along with the conservation of energy equation form a set of coupled, nonlinear
partial differential equations. It is not possible to solve these equations analytically
for most engineering problems, However, it is possible to obtain approximate computer-based
solutions to the governing equations for a variety of engineering problems. This is the subject
matter of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
 The Strategy of CFD
• Broadly, the strategy of CFD is to replace the continuous problem domain with a discrete
domain using a grid. In the continuous domain, each flow variable is defined at every point
in the domain. For instance, the pressure p in the continuous 1D domain shown in the figure
below would be given as p = p(x), 0 < x < 1
• In the discrete domain, each flow variable is defined only at the grid points. So, in the
discrete domain shown below, the pressure would be defined only at the N grid points.
pi = p(xi), i = 1, 2, . . . , N

• In a CFD solution, one would directly solve for the relevant flow variables only at the grid
points. The values at other locations are determined by interpolating the values at the grid
points.
 Governing Equations
Fluid flow should be analyzed to know velocity V,Pressure P, and Temperature T throughout every
point of the flow regime. This is most important before designing any product which involves fluid
flow. Furthermore, the method of fluid flow observation based on kinematic properties is a
fundamental issue. Movement of fluid can be investigated with either Lagrangian or Eulerian
methods

The main structure of thermo-fluids examination is directed by governing equations that are based
on the conservation law of fluid’s physical properties. The basic equations are the three laws of
conservation:

• Conservation of Mass: Continuity Equation

• Conservation of Momentum: Newton’s Second Law
• Conservation of Energy: First Law of Thermodynamics or Energy Equation
• These principles state that mass, momentum, and energy are stable constants within a closed
system. Basically everything must be conserved.
 How does CFD work?
• A CFD analysis basically consists of the following three phases:
• Pre-processing
• In this phase the problem statement is transformed into an idealized and discretized computer
model. Assumptions are made concerning the type of flow to be modelled (viscous/inviscid,
compressible/incompressible, steady/non steady). Other processes involved are mesh generation
and application of initial- and boundary conditions.
• Solving
• The actual computations are performed by the solver, and in this solving phase computational
power is required. There are multiple solvers available, varying in efficiency and capability of
solving certain physical phenomena.
• Post-processing
• Finally, the obtained results are visualized and analyzed in the post processing phase. At this stage
the analyst can verify the results and conclusions can be drawn based on the obtained results.
Ways of presenting the obtained results are for example static or moving pictures, graphs or tables.
Stages of CFD analysis
• CFD analysis consists of three main steps: pre-processing, processing and post-
processing - here is a brief introduction to each of them.

Pre-processor-
• Critical Elements of Pre-Processing
• As mentioned above, CFD analysis is only as good as its implementer - that is, how accurate can the designer set up (or pre-
process) the model - as the initial design will eventually affect the model in the later phases of analysis. 
• It is crucial for the designer to ensure that the geometric model is free of errors or defects; Common issues involve:
 Gaps in the model
 Missing or overlapping faces
 Unclosed geometries like free faces, edges and vertices
• After preparation the model should be a “closed” solid, void of any of the above mentioned errors. Once this is completed
there are several additional steps to pre-processing for your CFD analysis.
• Problem Analysis 
• Problem analysis is the cornerstone of your simulation -  you need to understand the problems you are trying to solve for in
order to properly define your objective and parameters. 

. With accurate problem analysis you will be able to define your model with the right attributes in order to avoid incorrect
data in your simulation results. 

• Geometry 
• Once you have your physics defined you must create a two or three-dimensional geometry that is dependent
on your problem analysis. 
• Some problems are solvable in two dimensions, which can save time and money through reduced
computational needs. Tools like Autodesk Inventor, Spaceclaim, CATIA, Solidworks or Design Modeller will
be more appropriate for three-dimensional models - while Design Modeler and GAMBIT are better suited for
two-dimensional needs. 
• Meshing
• Meshing requires a great deal of care because it can have a cascading effect on your analysis if done improperly. This step
involves establishing the physical domain of your environment into defined regions called cells, or control volumes.
• These cells are further defined by the fluid flow equations inside the govern them - requiring the designer to make an
educated assumption about their flow profiles (it is always best to start with a rough mesh and then refine it over time for
specific areas).  
• Most designers find that keeping these cells as small as possible can help you ensure accuracy throughout the analysis.
• Setup Solver
• In this stage you will have to define the conditions of the problems you want to solve. For example, transient one-phase,
stationary or multiphase, turbulence model, fluid type and boundary conditions.
• It is essential to know the physics of your problem because the numerical solutions are pre-configured. Moreover, you have
to know how the method works. When it comes to processing, you can choose the processors to use and the necessary
iterations when it comes to achieving the convergence. 
• Results 
• The last piece of the pre-processing puzzle involves validating your set-up - you can achieve this by assessing experimental
or analytical results. Having an understanding of problem physics can be the difference here, as it is difficult to make
recommendations before you prove that the results are, in fact, accurate. 

Solver-
 Every simulation process through a CFD program has to follow a defined set of steps. After all, simulations are a set of
steps that must be complied with - as these set guidelines help to avoid getting stuck or receiving error messages in
subsequent stages.

 Lastly, each of these steps are interdependent on one another, which is why proper pre-processing is so critical to being
with.
 Post-processing
•
After getting results in the simulation stage, your next step is to analyse those results. Use the available methods such as
vector plots, contour plots, data curves and streamlines to achieve this. 
• That way, you will get accurate reports and graphical representations. Some of the popular software tools used in the post-
processing stage include EnsSight, ANSYS CFD-POST, ParaView, FieldView and Tecplot 360.  Processes in this stage
include: 
 Calculation of the derived quantities 
 Calculation of parameters 
 Visualization 
 Systematic data analysis and 
 Debugging, verification and validation of the CFD model
Case study of Aerofoil Structure-
Mechanics of aerofoil shape-
 An Airfoil is a structure with curved surfaces designed in such a way that it provides the
favourable lift and drag forces. The Airfoil structure, when moved with a certain velocity in the
medium of fluid, produces an aerodynamic force. The aerodynamic force is the force exerted by
the fluid on the airfoil structure due to the relative motion between the fluid and the airfoil
structure. This aerodynamic force arises due to two reasons. One due to the pressure exerted by
the fluid on the surface of the fluid and second due to the shear force exerted by a fluid due to its
viscosity on the surface of the body.
 The pressure exerted acts perpendicular to the surface of the body whereas the shear force acts
parallel to the surface of the body. These pressure and shear force together create an
aerodynamic force which acts in the direction opposite to the motion of the Airfoil structure. The
aerodynamic force is resolved into two forces: Lift and Drag. Lift is the force which acts
perpendicular to the direction of relative motion and Drag force that acts parallel to the direction
of relative motion.
 Airfoils work on Bernoulli’s principle to produce lift force. When the fluid flows over the Airfoil
structure, there will be curved streamlines of fluid created which results in the formation of lower
pressure on one side while higher pressure on the other side. This pressure difference is
responsible for creating the lift force.
• Steps in CFD analysis of aerofoil Shape-
• Research paper
Applications of CFD-
• 1. CFD Simulation for Preventing Cavitation
• 2. Simulating Rotating Machinery using CFD
• 3. CFD Simulation for Laminar and Turbulent Flow
• 4. Heating, Air conditioning, and Ventilation (HVAC) Applications of
CFD Simulation
• 5. Battery Simulation with CFD
• 6. Simulating Aerodynamics With CFD
• 7. Heat Transfer and Thermal Management Simulation in CFD
• 8. Pipe and Valve Simulation with CFD 
Advantages of CFD Analysis-

• specific physical boundary conditions or effects can be considered in isolation

• simulations provide at any point (of the pattern) measured data, experiments in
contrast only a few selected points
• many flow parameters are gathered, which are not accessible in experiments
• in the beginning of the planning process, a variety of prototypes are simulated in
order to quickly gather information for further planning
• simulations are able to contribute to a greater understanding of the problem than
experiments
• the costs are usually much lower compared to experiments
Disadvantages of CFD-

• errors may occur due to simple flow models or simplified boundary conditions
• possible uncertainties caused by too little computing values ​per cell and hence
therefore resulting interpolation errors
• computation time may extend for large models
• the costs may be much higher due to wrong consulting compared to experiments
The Future of CFD Analysis 
• Computational fluid dynamics has found wide application in the modelling of
fluid flows, and has become a vital step in designing various machinery, tools and
components - such as analyzing laminar and turbulent flow through water pumps
and reducing ship drag. 
• As a rule of thumb CFD does not replace real world testing, however
it does reduce the number of experiments needed in prototyping and testing (and
with that, the overall cost and risks associated). 
• CFD analysis in a CAD environment gives engineers, designers and scientists the
invaluable ability to visualize fluid flow attributes before physical creation,
giving them a host of benefits over traditional experimentation - and we’re just
scratching the surface, with many more possibilities to follow in the near future.