Computational Fluid Dynamics

Although we may not perceive them, flows are present in all areas of life. A large number of machines and processes only function on the basis of flows, which may involve air, flowing gases, water or other liquids. We often need to take into account not only the flow on the inside of a structure, but also the flows in the surrounding area. Based on numerical methods and algorithms, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) makes it possible to calculate the complex processes related to flows and represent them in models. It can be used to provide a precise measurement of speeds, pressures, density spreads, concentration distribution and temperature distribution. .

Computational fluid dynamics are used wherever gas or fluid flows help to provide functions or improve performance. It offers particular advantages if values are required from inside a component where the flow field is not accessible or is difficult to access for measuring purposes, or taking measurements would prove too expensive. Computational fluid dynamics always models the overall situation and does not restrict itself to just a few points in the space being examined. This offers significant advantages when looking for specific local peak values and can thus assist measurement instrumentation in selecting measurement points.

TECOSIM can provide assistance in the following areas of computational fluid dynamics:

• One-dimensional system simulation
• Multi-dimensional fluid dynamics calculations
• Thermal flow calculations

TECOSIM offers over 20 years of practical experience in these fields. Our engineers not only use standard commercial and non-commercial simulation programs in their work. We also develop routines and modules ourselves where required, thus creating individual solutions which are precisely tailored to our clients' needs. One example of such a solution is a tool which automatically changes ducts or piping in such a way that there is a minimal loss of pressure for the application in question..

Mobility:

• Aerodynamics
• Thermal management (PTC –powertrain cooling, UTM – underhood thermal management)
• Climate control / HVAC – heating, ventilation and air conditioning (including de-icing)
• Detailed studies of components such as heat exchangers, air filters, drains, including automatic pressure loss minimisation, headlight calculations, brake cooling, exhaust pipes, turbochargers

Energy:

• Flue gas ducts
• Wind loads on solar power systems
• Thermals in heat storage tanks (molten salt tanks)
• Circulating pumps
• Combustion processes

Industry and technology:

• Oven layout and design
• Optimisation of reactors (e.g. silicon reactors)
• Ventilation systems / fans
• Valve design
• Optimisation of hydraulic pumps (including piston pumps and engines)