The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology uses software to build a virtual prototype of the fluid in study. This software enables a user to simulate the flow of the fluid over a surface, study the chemical reactions and interactions, heat and mass transfer, etc. with the help of a computer model. The Computational Fluid Dynamics technology uses computers, computational methods, and data of fluid viscosity, fluid flow rates etc. to simulate the flow of fluids (gases and liquids). The models generated through these computational methods are governed by complex fluid motion equations. Fluid flow dynamics is then applied on these models to study how a fluid interacts with a certain surface. Thus, CFD software is used to predict how a fluid behaves in a particular environment with the help of virtual prototypes.
The CFD market is evolving at a rapid rate. Further, SMBs who cannot afford CFD software licenses and hardware are increasingly hiring this software and hardware for the stipulated project time. Besides, the CFD software engineers are being hired to work on a contract basis, only for the designing period. The CFD tools are also being used for designing complex thermal hydraulic machines like Fusion Reactors. All such reactors need to clear safety assessments, required by the regulatory boards. Thus, proven tools like CFD are increasingly being used for validating large plant and machine designs. Further, it is also used to carry out experiments with new liquid materials (for their thermal-hydraulic properties) to be used as coolants and breeding fluids in fusion reactors.
CFD is being increasingly used for 3D visualization of fluid flow, as it provides a high quality geometry translation (as opposed to the realistic prediction offered the 2D CFD software). 3D CFD is also used for the analysis of grid turbulence to measure the kinetic energies involved in cases of turbulent air. Further, it helps in predicting the evolution of turbulence and the interaction of eddies (LES) of different scales. Further, 3D computational results are being used by the growing Wind Energy market for aerolastic analysis of the wind turbines. Aerodynamic damping of wind turbines is essential for minimizing vibrations (while turbine operations), which can lead to structural failures. Thus, 3D CFD software is driving the CFD market.
This report by TechNavio Insights highlights the scope of the Global Computational Fluid Dynamics market over the period 2009-2013. Further, it discusses key market trends, drivers, growth inhibitors, and a few major vendors of this market.