Basics of computational fluid dynamics: An overview

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) deals with equations that control fluid motion. CFD has several applications in diverse technical domains. In this review paper, a discussion was made on the basics of CFD and its applications in multiple domains. To tackle the fluid problem, CFD has some said procedure that needs to be followed to arrive at the solution step. The first step is to write down a mathematical equation for fluid flow. These mathematical equations are a set of partial derivatives. Discretizing is the next step to deriving this equation concerning numerical equivalent. After that, the domain is divided into tiny grids, popularly known as meshing. The final step involves deciding whether boundary conditions align with the fluid problem. In all CFD standards, these three aspects play an essential role, i.e. (1) A pre-processor is responsible for creating geometry, mesh generation, and providing flow characteristics and boundary conditions to the standard code. (2) A flow solver is utilized to solve equations related to the fluid issue. Researchers commonly use flow solvers, including the finite element method, finite difference method, and finite volume method. (3) A post-processor gives the final display output graphically and understandably. According to most researchers, recent improvements in computational fluid dynamics have created low-cost opportunities. This paper helps to comprehend the CFD standards procedure to solve the fluid problem.