What is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

With advancements in micro-processor technology and the wide availability of powerful personal computers, complex flow problems can now be solved on the desktop.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)  is phrase that refers to a family of computer methods used to solve the fundamental equations for fluid flow.

In a CFD simulation, the region of interest (the domain) is sub-divided into an interconnected lattice of small cells (control volumes). Within each individual cell the fluid flow equations are solved using information from its neighbors.  Iterating on initial conditions, a computer is used to perform millions of repetative operations and the result is a fluid flow simulation.

In addition to the computation of fluid flow, CFD techniques can also be used to compute the dynamic behavior of related processes including heat-transfer, solidification, sedimentation, and dispersion.

Blue Hill Hydraulics relies on the latest generation of commercial CFD programs as well as our own in-house algorithms used to solve the most challenging flow problems.