Words then action in perfect unison this month. First the words - discover how reduced complexity models combined with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can help you rapidly gain insights into your design. Then the action - see how a reduced complexity model combined with automated CFD simulations can rapidly produce a fan curve and efficiency profile of a real-world blower for a dust collector with a twist.

Reduced Complexity CFD Simulation of the Massachusetts State HouseVelocity magnitude contours and arrows

Reduced Complexity 3D Models for CFD

Reduced complexity 3D model for CFD is a great way to avoid getting bogged down in details that are not relevant for a simulation. 3D video games and 3D animation applications have been using reduced complexity 3D models combined with texture maps to present rich visuals since the dawn of the digital age. These models and the concepts to build them can be extremely useful for CFD. Read more >>

Fluid Device Design is Like Herding Cats So Let CFD Help

Where the action of a fluid is the primary concern in the design of a device, e.g., a cyclone, sometimes it can seem that fluid is going out of its way to be difficult - a lot like trying to herd cats. Fluid device designers have to carefully match geometry to flow rates to meet performance criteria. However, if they were to rely solely on physical testing, then their task is that much harder and more costly because they can't easily visualize the flow behavior. Let CFD save you money and time as a supplement to physical testing. Read more >>

CFD Analysis of a Blower for a Small Dust Collector

I recently came across an interesting fluid dynamics project modestly titled "Small Dust Collector" by Matthias Wandel of Woodgears. The unusual twist - at least from my metal-orientated view of the world - was the use of wood as the primary construction material. The project includes the construction of a blower, cyclone, filter housing, and filter manifold - all prime candidates for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. I sense a series of blog posts, so first let's take a look at the blower also known as a centrifugal fan or squirrel cage fan. Read more >>