Resolving the fluid flow equations is not trivial - there is no known general analytical solution for the Navier-Stokes equations, meaning that numeric techniques must be used. Boundary Element, Finite Element or Finite Difference methods were among the most common CFD simulation methods initially, but Finite Volume Methods have gained prominence in the past 20 years and are now standard. More recently, increased hardware performance mean that Lattice Boltzmann Methods have also become viable.
As there is no best CFD simulation method for all applications, engineers must choose the right tool for each industrial workflow.
Coupled Eulerian-LagrangianCoupled Eulerian-Lagrangian and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is ideal for highly coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems such as non-compressible hydraulics. These methods are implemented in SIMULIA Abaqus/Explicit.
The Finite Volume Solver is better suited for steady or moderately transient flows, such as those found in pipe flows, heat exchangers, pumps and HVAC applications. This method is used in SIMULIA Fluid Dynamics Engineer (FMK).
As a transient technique, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is more applicable to highly transient flows such as aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. It can handle highly demanding models both in terms of geometric complexity and detail. LBM technology can also be effective for multiphase applications handling complex models that can even include arbitrary moving parts. Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA offers two LBM products. SIMULIA PowerFLOW is ideal for the aerodynamic, acoustic and soiling scenarios common in aerospace and automotive industries. SIMULIA XFlow meanwhile is typically used for complex moving, multiphase problems such as lubrication, sloshing and some Life Science applications.