How is a CFD analysis obtained?
Basically, there are three stages within a CFD analysis:
1. Pre-processing
Within this phase, it is incredibly important to define the problem that is trying to be solved through the analysis. In doing so, parameters (initial and boundary conditions, flow domains, types of flow, etc.) and the way the geometry is modelled and meshed can be established. By establishing this now, we can streamline the computational solving process and enable efficient and accurate results. Once this stage is completed, a problem can be transformed into an idealised and discretised computer model.
2. Solving
In this stage, a simulation strategy most suitable for the problem is selected. Depending on the scale of the problem being solved, significant amounts of computing power can be required as the software producing the solution is not necessarily smart, but rather is working hard. To obtain a solution, the software will trial every single variable within every single scenario (within reason) until it obtains a solution. Hence why it is important to select the appropriate simulation strategy.
3. Post-processing
Finally, the obtained results are visualised and analysed in the post processing phase. At this stage the analyst can verify the results and repeat the simulation process several times to ensure that solutions continue to converge to a single point. CFD modelling can be rather delicate and it is important to compare results and ensure that they are valid.
Once satisfied, specific information from the computational workflow can be extracted and presented in an informational way.
