Computer-aided design (CAD) computational fluid dynamics (CFD), also known as CAD CFD, provides product designers with insights to streamline product development through simulation. CAD CFD is required for every product engineer’s toolbox. By picking the right solution, you’ll have access to advanced features that optimize the iterating and prototyping processes. So, here’s everything you need to know about CAD CFD.
What Is CAD CFD?
First, CFD is a specific field of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis to study, understand, and then visualize the flow of fluids in real life. Second, CAD is the use of computers and software to aid in creating, modifying, analyzing, and optimizing designs. Together, CAD CFD uses advanced computer software to complete CFD analysis. This type of analysis is often included as a part of simulation solutions to help designers better understand the flowing movements of fluids and how flows change as various fluids interact with surfaces in specific circumstances.
CAD CFD combines advanced software technology with mechanical fluid numeric analysis to simulate how fluids flow through products based on real-world circumstances such as temperature, air bubbles, and more.
Why Do You Need CAD CFD?
CAD CFD helps designers see the unseeable. For example, when looking at a static design, it’s nearly impossible to envision exactly how fluids will flow through a product, part, or system. Using CAD CFD, product developers can see precisely how fluids move in real-world circumstances because CAD CFD considers the minute characteristics of air flow, water, pressure, bubbles, temperature, and other forces.
When you understand how all of this movement impacts product functionality, your hardware prototyping costs start to shrink. And, as a result of these savings, you can offer better quality products at lower prices—a win-win process.
CAD CFD Solutions from PTC
The key to streamlined CFD analysis is finding a CAD CFD solution to complete the required extraction for modeling digital fluids. PTC offers two options:
Creo Simulation Live Advanced
Creo Simulation Live, powered by Ansys, is the leading CAD CFD tool. It allows teams to complete simulation analysis in real time then quickly modify their designs to meet requirements. By using simulation early and often in the design process, engineers can also create lighter, faster, and stronger products using fewer resources compared to traditional physical prototyping.
CAD CFD in Creo Simulation Live analyzes every change made to a product design in seconds. There’s no need to simplify the geometry, create a mesh, or move between windows—all the tools you need are at your fingertips.
In addition to CAD CFD tools, Creo Simulation Live also includes structural, thermal, and modal analysis solutions.
Flow Analysis Extension
The Flow Analysis Extension is the CFD extension build for Creo. It puts all the CFD capabilities engineers need directly into the Creo interface so liquid and gas flow analysis can be completed early and often in the design.
The Flow Analysis Extension is built in partnership with Simetrics, the leader in simulation software for fluid pumps, valves, compressors, motors, and other systems. It enables easy model creation, including:
- One-step creation of solid and fluid domains
- Automatic creation of high-efficiency mesh that maintains shape and aspect ratio
- Comprehensive physics
The Flow Analysis Extension makes it easy to complete CAD CFD analysis in the Creo environment without needing to import, export, or integrate into another solution.
Get Started with CAD CFD
Incorporating CAD CFD tools is essential for any organization designing or engineering products—and picking the right solution is critical. Creo Simulation Live gives engineers the power to quickly iterate and optimize designs with real-time simulation results. In addition, the Flow Analysis Extension makes it easy to complete CFD analysis right in your existing Creo environment. Whichever solution you select, the advanced CAD CFD tools will make it easier to cut down physical prototyping costs and unnecessary late-stage reworks, saving your team time and money.
Ready to upgrade your CAD CFD solution? Contact us, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our experts.
