I hope you've had time to try the new Caedium v5 release announced last month. To help your transition to v5 we have updated all the Caedium tutorials and related documentation. With a new release there's no time like the present to put it through its paces - which is exactly what you'll find in this selection of blog posts.
Caedium CFD Simulation Around an Elephant
The latest version of Caedium (v5.1) has a new Helix tool for your Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and improved mesh element size control.
Caedium CFD Simulation of Streamlines around a Helical Strakes ChimneyStrakes created using new Helix tool
A Moving Reference Frame (MRF) is a relatively simple, robust, and efficient steady-state, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling technique to simulate rotating machinery. For example, the rotors on a quadcopter can be modeled with MRFs.
MRF CFD Simulation of a Quadcopter in FlightShows streamlines colored by velocity magnitude
Have you ever wondered what are the main features of a wind tunnel and what purpose do they fulfill? Well wonder no more. With the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) let's explore a closed return wind tunnel based on the Honda Wind Tunnel at Imperial College, London.
Wind Tunnel CFD SimulationVelocity magnitude iso-surfaces
Having recently built a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of the Honda Wind Tunnel at Imperial College, it seemed only fitting to actually use it to perform a virtual test on a scale model. Clearly, given the wind tunnel's close association with motor racing, the test model had to be a racecar.
CFD Simulation of a Racecar in a Wind TunnelVelocity magnitude iso-surfaces
Another new Caedium release and some interesting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications - all in a month? That's right! You'll find a couple of new Caedium features that we couldn't hold back and a series of blog posts covering a virtual wind tunnel, a quadcopter, and 3D printing.
Airflow Through the Virtual Wind Tunnel FanStreamlines colored by velocity magnitude
Often the ultimate aim of performing a wind tunnel test on a scale model is to provide data on how the full size equivalent will behave in free air. This is especially true in motor racing (e.g., Formula 1) where teams use a combination of wind tunnels and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to guide what they hope is a winning racecar design. As a follow on to my project to build a virtual wind tunnel to test an open wheel racecar, here I start a two-part project to compare results between the virtual wind tunnel and free air using a series of CFD simulations.
CFD Test Section for a Racecar in a Wind Tunnel
Welcome to the concluding episode of my two-part project to compare results between the virtual wind tunnel and free air using a series of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Recall that the previous post outlined the free air tests and expectations for the comparison. Here I present the results and conclusions.
CFD Simulation of a Racecar in a Wind TunnelPressure contours on the racecar
This month I have a special feature newsletter for you that gathers together all the recent wind tunnel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) blog posts, including a new two part series which compares a virtual wind tunnel with free air for an open wheel racecar. The Caedium Professional simulations show that even though the Reynolds number is different between the wind tunnel and a full size simulation, the results can still be useful in guiding the aerodynamic design of a racecar.
CFD Simulation of a Racecar in a Wind TunnelStreamlines, vectors, and velocity magnitude contours
Pitot tubes are critical devices used to determine the airspeed of an aircraft. In aerodynamics it is important to know the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air to alert pilots to stall conditions. Pitot tubes are also used in wind tunnels to determine airspeed, sometimes using a manometer to measure the pressure difference between static pressure and total pressure to determine the dynamic pressure. I thought it would be interesting to see if we could simulate a pitot tube connected to a manometer (two-phase flow, air + water) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and to share my findings with you.
CFD Simulation of a Pitot Tube and ManometerBlue is water and red is air
Often in a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study you will find yourself repeating a series of operations that are prime candidates for automation. For instance, performing an angle of attack (alpha) sweep for an airplane configuration is a great example where automation can be a significant time saver as I will demonstrate.
CFD Simulation of an AirlinerAlpha = 6 degrees, showing velocity contours and arrows
There are many erosion processes that relate directly to either water or air flow. And if it flows, then Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can help. So it should come as no surprise that CFD was used to better understand and predict the wind erosion on the Great Sphinx in Egypt.
Caedium CFD Simulation Around The Great SphinxRendered in POV-Ray
Zoology professor Warren Porter leads a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison that uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate heat transfer and drag. No big deal you say, until you hear that the subject of his CFD simulations is an elephant!
Caedium CFD Simulation Around an Elephant
Do you want turning vanes with your duct work? Yes, if you are considering a square corner and you want to minimize your fan power requirement. Don't take my word for it, instead consider this Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study that compares a vaneless square corner with both small turning vanes and large turning vanes.
Turning Vane CFD StudyVelocity magnitude contours on the symmetry plane
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is widely applicable across many industries and applications. For example, checkout this month's series of blog posts that cover the aerodynamics of an airliner, the wind erosion of the Great Sphinx at Giza, and the multiphase simulation of a combined pitot tube and manometer - each is highlighted by a Caedium Professional CFD simulation.
Caedium CFD Simulation of an AirlinerStreamlines colored by velocity magnitude
When Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) speaks it usually has interesting things to say. Our feature this month is a CFD study of car aerodynamics. Also you can browse a selection of general interest blog posts - one even relates to dinosaurs! Finally, listen to a podcast interview, "Rich Smith on CFD that won't break the bank", I did with Jeff Waters (Life Upfront blog) on the founding of Symscape and the development of Caedium, which targets small engineering consultancies.
CFD Simulation of a Car with a WingVelocity contours and streamline arrows
A growing trend among racecar designers is to use a 'swan neck' wing mount that attaches to the pressure surface of a wing. Historically wing mounts have connected to the suction surface of a wing. What difference does the wing mount strategy make to overall car downforce and drag? Let's investigate using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) on a BMW Z3 - the same model I used in a previous CFD study to show how effective adding a wing is to increase downforce.
CFD Simulation of a Racecar with a 'Swan Neck' Wing MountStream ribbons colored by velocity magnitude
Looking to nature for inspiration (biomimicry) is nothing new. I've already covered turbine blades inspired by humpback whale fins and drag-reducing textures that mimic shark skin, so next up we have the elegant spinning maple seed.
CFD Simulation of a Spinning Maple SeedLeading edge vortex shown by streamlines
This month we shine a light on wings with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies of racecar wing mounts and maple seeds, which are also known in aerodynamic circles as mono-wing seed delivery systems.
CFD Simulation of a Racecar with a 'Swan Neck' Wing MountSurface velocity magnitude contours
'Tis the season to be whimsy, tra la la la la, la la la la' ... and so off to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) whimsy holiday season we go with a Caedium simulation of an elephant collapsing into a puddle. Also joining us are a couple of whimsy-themed blog posts. Thanks for your support during 2013. We are looking forward to serving your CFD needs in 2014 and beyond.
Caedium CFD VOF SimulationInitial Water Position