Project COA-CFD

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations utilize computational resources to simulate free flows of fluids (air, water, etc.), and the interaction of fluids with surfaces. CFD simulations are used in development of new mechanical parts in the automotive, aerospace and military industries to increase efficiency. CFD based experiments are cost effective in comparison to conventional methods and can estimate properties which cannot be empirically measured. For the last decade, Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS) has been developing new CFD capabilities (particle-based methods) in the form of four new solvers (CFD simulation programs) and hybridizing them to increase usability.

CFD simulations require great expertise often unavailable for small or medium enterprises (SMEs). This restricts their competitiveness as vendors for manufacturing industries. The goal of the Cloud-based Online Access to Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations (COA-CFD) consortium shall democratize CFD simulations. This will enable non-expert users and opening this field for wider audiences and markets.

Democratization will be achieved via hybridizing different solvers and by improving the human interaction interface. This will enable an on-demand cloud solution. Furthermore, a design optimisation framework will be integrated into the solution by the University of Kaiserslautern (TUK) for an even better user experience.