CFD Program Lets Engineers Work in CAD model

Blue Ridge Numerics unveiled a new release of its Upfront computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software called Cfdesign v.7.0 that makes simulation parametric and associative with CAD models.

The new software is available as an integrated product with Autodesk Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Unigraphics, and I-DEAS. It's targeted for engineers designing pumps, blowers, fans, compressors, valves, pistons, hydraulic rams, and other products.

"Cfdesign lets engineers optimize within the CAD environment, saving time and eliminating the need for them to have deep knowledge about CFD or finite element analysis (FEA)," says Ed Williams, Blue Ridge President. "Customers have told us they can cut per-project costs by 70 percent with the product and use the time savings to focus more closely on product innovation.

Also, Williams says the software allows user-controlled solid-body motion to occur within a flow regime. Solid objects can move in and out of the fluid and the flow will respond to their movement, as in the case with pistons, hydraulic rams, and belt-driven machinery. For rotational devices, engineers can analyze the flow within the blade passages.

"With this product, we have packaged the math in a way that design engineers can uswe it in a CAD environment," Williams says.