Fluid Flow Simulation
When we think of virtual product design, we often consider real-life, concrete objects. Certainly it is important to observe these physical characteristics but virtual prototyping beats out physical prototypes at every turn. Fluid flow simulation allows engineers and designers to look at the behavior of fluids, which is a must for many industries. In such industries, a large number of products must be cast so it is important to know how the molten material will behave.
Sophisticated simulation software is required to model these processes to ensure that the finished product displays the necessary properties.
The role of fluid flow simulation in virtual prototyping
Casting molten materials is a labor intensive and expensive process. The cast itself must be made and then the materials necessary for the construction of the product or component must be melted. The process in itself consumes a great deal of energy. This is a major consideration when it comes to designing new products and it places a great deal of limitations on the designer. The science of fluid dynamics is incredibly complex and the chances of error are high. This means that the process can be an iterative one, with many repetitions and consequent impacts on the time and cost of development. With fluid flow simulation software, this process is much more streamlined.
The advantages of fluid flow simulations
Carrying out fluid flow simulations in a virtual environment is a better suited approach. This allows the engineer to model the fluid’s behavior at every stage in the process and accurately predict how it will react in an actual casting environment. In doing so, it greatly reduces the time it takes to create a working design, which can then be manufactured in the real world. Because of the work that has been done in the virtual world, the chances of this unit performing as expected are greatly increased and the overall cost of development is substantially reduced.
A leader in fluid flow simulation software
ESI Group is the creation of four PhD graduates from the renowned school, UC Berkeley. The company was founded in Paris, France, to develop virtual prototyping solutions, with a specific focus on materials physics. The company’s expertise led to rapid success and growth and now employs some 1,000 specialists to work with clients in 40 countries. The company is active in a broad spectrum of industries, including defense, energy, aerospace, marine engineering, consumer products and electronics.
