Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) beckons with the allure of extraordinary results, at a price far below typical experimental methods. CFD services use computer simulations to provide customized solutions on a wide array of fluid flow scenarios. However, CFD comes with a large risk of budget and schedule overruns. When careful project management mitigates these risks, CFD delivers on the promise of extensive knowledge at reasonable costs.
CFD tools are like a double-edged sword. Properly employed, CFD tools improve engineering productivity, and help keep technical projects on schedule and under budget. Attentive project management coupled together with a good CFD provider is essential for any CFD solution. Our engineers at Sukra are well equipped for the same. A typical CFD project consists of the following steps.
We build the geometry for the object using 3D CAD software. CFD usually requires very high quality 3D CAD models. Almost all CAD models require some level of rework to achieve this standard.
We import the CAD geometry, add physics models and specify any environmental settings to match your scenario. At this point, we search for opportunities to simplify the model, which reduces computing cost.
Model validation poses the largest risk in the project. We create an initial setup and then test that setup to ensure the simulation is stable and converges to a realistic solution. This is an iterative process, searching to balance the desire for minimal computing costs with the need for simulation accuracy. At the end of the validation process, we will conduct a series of convergence checks, also called a mesh independence study. These checks establish the simulation’s margin of error. Once we are satisfied, the client should perform a preliminary review. This review is one last chance to confirm final settings and desired outputs for the production runs.
We progress through all the simulation conditions requested by the client to extract all the desired results. This stage incurs large computing costs, but relatively little labor. This is when the CFD provider can begin to provide reliable data for use by the client.
At this point, we review the results and convert the raw data into formats that allow easier interpretation. Typical outputs will include tables of numbers for the specific data requested. The provider will also include several images to visualize interesting details about the simulation and explain the reason for any unexpected answers.
At the final stage, we organize everything into a concise presentation, usually in report form. This report contains all the outputs, simulation visuals and information on model validation. The report also includes enough detail about the simulation setup so that a third party could reproduce the simulation, if desired.
This consists of the costs incurred in the utilization of high performance computers and purchase of any extra hardware components for the computers if necessary.
This consists of the costs incurred in purchasing any commercial software licenses necessary for the simulation.
This constitutes almost 19% of the overall cost. Most of the labor is expended during model construction & validation and computing costs dominate the production runs.
An experienced CFD service provider is the best solution to mitigate the risks of a CFD project and deliver the desired cost savings. But not all CFD providers are equal in experience or technical ability. A good CFD provider must have a sound technical background, good quality standards and experience specific to your application area.
A good CFD provider should ask detailed questions about your situation and exactly how you plan to use the results in order to understand the limits of your application and tailor the simulation to target your desired goals. In fact, a good CFD provider will actively work to limit the scope and cost of your CFD project.
Our team of engineers at Sukra Infotek are experienced in conducting CFD simulations belonging to a wide range of industries. You can talk to our team about your problem and we will surely come up with a solution with the best cost and timelines.
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