CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the simulation of fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena using numerical methods. CFD discretizes the fluid domain into a computational mesh and solves the Navier-Stokes equations (and turbulence models, combustion chemistry, or multiphase physics as required) to predict velocity fields, pressure distributions, thermal gradients, and mass transport. CFD is central to aerodynamic design, thermal management, combustion, HVAC, and any engineering context where fluid behavior determines performance or safety.
In context
An automotive OEM runs Ansys Fluent CFD on a new vehicle exterior at 150+ speed/angle combinations to optimize drag coefficient before a wind tunnel is booked — reducing tunnel time by 40% and storing the simulation results in PLM as part of the aerodynamics sign-off record. In electronics, CFD predicts component junction temperatures under full thermal load before PCB layout is finalized.
Why it matters
CFD enables engineers to evaluate aerodynamic or thermal design choices in silico rather than in a wind tunnel or thermal test rig. For automotive OEMs, CFD drives exterior aerodynamics, underhood cooling, and brake thermal management. For aerospace, CFD validates airfoil performance and engine intake efficiency. For electronics, CFD predicts component temperatures under worst-case thermal loads. The cost of a CFD run is orders of magnitude lower than physical testing — but solver quality, mesh quality, and boundary condition accuracy determine whether the simulation result is predictive or merely plausible.
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/cfd-computational-fluid-dynamics