Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the application of numerical methods to create simulations of systems of interest in many areas of engineering. The general mathematical approach is to discretize the governing equations of fluid flow using finite volume methods to solve the equations of motion numerically via iterative procedures. The discipline exists at the intersection of fluid mechanics, mathematics and computer science. As computer systems have evolved and become more capable, the opportunities to use CFD to simulate complex processes have become more useful, accepted and available. CFD is currently used in many industries to simulate complex processes for understanding and process development. It also enables simulations in design spaces that are either impractical or dangerous to perform physically. CFD is an established technique in many industries and is now being used in medical, environmental and energy systems. It is common to combine other processes such as heat transfer, particle size distribution and electrochemistry with the CFD code to expand what can be learned. CFD also enables the study of complex biological systems in vitro without harming the patient. Researchers at the University of Rochester are fortunate to have access to the state-of-the-art computational resources provided through the University’s Center for Integrated Research Computing, to enable complex CFD calculations.
Active Faculty / Research Areas
D. G. Foster: Fluid Mechanics; Computational Fluid Dynamics; Rheology of Non-Newtonian Fluids; Biological Transport Phenomena