Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis

CFD Model of a Hydraulic Valve

What is Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis (CFD)?

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful simulation tool that uses numerical methods to analyze and predict the behavior of fluid flows, such as gases and liquids, in various scenarios. By solving complex equations like the Navier-Stokes equations, CFD allows engineers and researchers to model real-world fluid dynamics with precision, offering insights into areas ranging from aerodynamics and energy systems to medical applications and environmental studies. This cost-effective approach eliminates the need for expensive physical experiments and provides detailed visualizations of phenomena that are difficult to measure directly.

What are the capabilities of CFD analysis?

CFD analysis offers a wide range of capabilities that make it an essential tool for understanding and optimizing fluid dynamics. It allows engineers and researchers to simulate complex fluid flows, including laminar, turbulent, and multiphase flows, across various environments. With CFD, users can predict pressure, velocity, temperature, and chemical reactions in fluids, enabling the design of more efficient systems in industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare. Additionally, CFD provides detailed visualizations and insights into phenomena such as heat transfer, aerodynamics, combustion, and fluid-structure interactions, helping improve performance and safety. Its versatility makes it a key solution for tackling real-world problems that are too challenging or costly to study experimentally.

What can be analyzed using CFD analysis?

CFD analysis can be used to study and predict a wide variety of phenomena involving fluid flows, making it valuable across multiple industries. It can analyze aerodynamic performance, such as airflow around aircraft, cars, and buildings, to optimize designs for efficiency and stability. It helps simulate heat transfer processes, including cooling systems, heat exchangers, and thermal management in electronics. CFD is widely used to model combustion in engines and power plants, allowing for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It can also analyze multiphase flows, such as liquid and gas interactions in pipelines or chemical reactors. Additionally, CFD is used to study fluid-structure interactions, blood flow in medical applications, pollutant dispersion in environmental studies, and even weather patterns or ocean currents. Essentially, CFD enables the analysis of any scenario where gases or liquids are in motion, interacting with surfaces, or undergoing energy and phase changes.

Listed below are a few examples of CFD analysis performed by Dreamspace Engineering!

💧 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Analysis of a Gate Valve

1-1/2" Gate Valve

For one of our clients, Dreamspace Engineering conducted a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using SolidWorks Flow Simulation to assess the hydraulic performance of a gate valve under specific operating conditions.

⚙️ Key Parameters

• Software: SolidWorks Flow Simulation

• Fluid Medium: Water

• Flow Rate: 12 GPM

• Fluid Temperature: 20 °C

• Valve Material: Aluminum 6061-T6

  • Chosen for strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance

📊 Analysis Details

• Computational Domain: Detailed 3D valve model

• Mesh: High-resolution to capture complex flow patterns

• Boundary Conditions: Inlet/outlet flow rates, pressure, and thermal properties

• Performance Metrics:

  • Pressure drop

  • Flow velocity distribution

  • Turbulence intensity

  • Localized flow separations

Flow Velocity Contours

🔍 Key Findings

• Flow restrictions identified near the valve seat

• Recirculation zones contributing to higher pressure losses

• Uneven flow distribution leading to potential wear and efficiency loss

Pressure Gradient Flow Trajectories

🔁 Next Steps

• Redesign internal valve geometry to:

  • Minimize pressure drop

  • Improve flow uniformity

  • Reduce shear-related wear

• Validate optimized design through follow-up simulations under varied operating conditions

🔥 Forced Convection Thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis — Electronic Chassis

Simplified Rugged Electronic Chassis

Dreamspace Engineering recently conducted a thermal flow analysis on an electronic chassis using SolidWorks Flow Simulation to evaluate airflow performance and heat dissipation under forced convection.

⚙️ Analysis Overview

• Software: SolidWorks Flow Simulation

• Fans: 2 × 100 CFM (5-inch)

• Inlet Air: 60 °C

• Heat Sources: 3 × 250 W CCAs

• Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum

A high-resolution mesh captured detailed airflow and heat transfer interactions, with boundary conditions set for fan flow, air temperature, and power input.

Chassis Rail Temperature Contours

Flow Velocity Contours

📊 Key Findings

• Average Rail Temperature: ~100 °C

• Airflow Issues: Low-velocity zones and stagnation areas identified

• Hotspots: Concentrated near heat sinks and high-power components

• Main Cause: Insufficient heat-sink surface area for effective cooling

Pressure Gradient Flow Trajectories

🔁 Next Steps

Dreamspace Engineering will redesign the heat sinks to improve surface area and airflow uniformity. Updated simulations will validate thermal performance under various operating conditions.

SolidWorks Flow Simulation provided valuable insight into airflow trajectories, turbulence, and thermal behavior, enabling data-driven improvements for more reliable, efficient electronic cooling systems.

Conclusion

Dreamspace Engineering has extensive experience in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize a wide range of products across industries. We have analyzed electronic chassis designs to improve thermal management, hydraulic valves to reduce pressure drops and flow restrictions, and UAVs for aerodynamic optimization. Our team has also worked on engine cooling systems, heat exchangers, and HVAC systems to enhance energy efficiency and airflow distribution. Using advanced tools like SolidWorks Flow Simulation and ANSYS Fluent, we deliver data-driven insights to refine designs and solve complex engineering challenges effectively.

Visit Dreamspace Engineering to request a quote for engineering service today!

Thomas A. Smith

Owner, Dreamspace Engineering Consulting

P: 661-755-9225 | E: dreamspaceconsulting@gmail.com