CFD stands for **computational fluid dynamics**³, which is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and data structures to analyze and solve problems that involve fluid flows³. Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate the free-stream flow of the fluid, and the interaction of the fluid (liquids and gases) with surfaces defined by boundary conditions³. CFD can be used to study a wide range of phenomena, such as aerodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, turbulence, multiphase flows, and more³.
Source:
(1) Computational fluid dynamics - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_fluid_dynamics.
(2) Contract for Differences (CFD) Definition, Uses, and Examples. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/contractfordifferences.asp.
(3) Contract for Differences (CFDs) Overview and Examples - Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/09/trade-a-cfd.asp.
Who invented Ansys Fluent ?
According to the web search results, Ansys Fluent was invented by **John Swanson**³, who founded Ansys in 1970³. He sold his interest in the company to venture capitalists in 1993³ and Ansys went public on NASDAQ in 1996³. Fluent was the first commercial CFD software to have a graphical user interface and workflow rather than a command-line input¹⁴. It was developed at Sheffield University with contributions from multiple personalities¹. In May 2006, Fluent Inc. was acquired by Ansys³..
Source:
(1) Ansys - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansys.
(2) Ansys Fluent: A History of Innovations in CFD. https://www.ansys.com/blog/ansys-fluent-history-of-innovations.
(3) History and Development of CFD Fluent Software | Ansys Fluent. https://simutechgroup.com/fluent-extends-their-user-friendly-workflow-improvements-throughout-the-years/.
(4) The Ansys Story | 50 Years of Innovation. https://www.ansys.com/company-information/the-ansys-story.
Who are the competitors of Ansys Fluent?
Ansys Fluent is not the only software that offers CFD capabilities. There are many competitors and alternatives to Ansys Fluent in the market, depending on the needs and preferences of the users. Some of the most popular ones are:
- **AutoCAD**¹: AutoCAD is a software for computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting that was developed by Autodesk. It is widely used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create 2D and 3D drawings and models. AutoCAD also has a CFD module that allows users to perform fluid flow and heat transfer simulations within the AutoCAD environment. AutoCAD has a market share of 40.59% in the CAD software category³.
- **Solidworks**¹: Solidworks is a software for 3D modeling and simulation that was developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is mainly used by mechanical engineers and product designers to create and test parts, assemblies, and products. Solidworks also has a CFD module that allows users to perform fluid flow and heat transfer simulations within the Solidworks environment. Solidworks has a market share of 13.78% in the CAD software category³.
- **SimScale**¹²: SimScale is a cloud-based platform for engineering simulation that was founded by SimScale GmbH. It allows users to access various simulation tools, such as CFD, finite element analysis (FEA), thermodynamics, acoustics, and particle analysis, through a web browser. SimScale also has a large community of users and experts who can share and collaborate on projects. SimScale is considered as an easy-to-use and affordable alternative to Ansys Fluent².
- **OpenFOAM**¹: OpenFOAM is an open-source software for CFD that was created by OpenCFD Ltd. It is based on the finite volume method and can handle complex geometries and multiphase flows. OpenFOAM is widely used by researchers and academics for advanced CFD applications. OpenFOAM is considered as a powerful and flexible alternative to Ansys Fluent¹.
- **Fusion 360**⁴: Fusion 360 is a cloud-based software for 3D design and simulation that was developed by Autodesk. It integrates CAD, CAM, and CAE tools in a single platform and allows users to create and test products from concept to fabrication. Fusion 360 also has a CFD module that allows users to perform fluid flow and heat transfer simulations within the Fusion 360 environment. Fusion 360 is considered as a user-friendly and innovative alternative to Ansys Fluent⁴.
These are some of the top competitors and alternatives of Ansys Fluent in the CAD software category. However, there are many other options available in the market, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the users.
Source:
(1) ANSYS Fluent - Market Share, Competitor Insights in CAD Software - 6sense. https://6sense.com/tech/cad-software/ansys-fluent-market-share.
(2) Top 10 Ansys Fluent Alternatives & Competitors | G2. https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/competitors/alternatives.
(3) Top ANSYS Fluent Competitors & Alternatives 2023 - Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/data-center-infrastructure-management-tools/vendor/ansys/product/ansys-fluent/alternatives.
(4) Ansys Fluent Alternatives for Small Businesses in 2023 | G2. https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/competitors/alternatives/small-business.
Which one of these software has the most advanced features?
That is a difficult question to answer, as different CAD software may have different features that suit different needs and preferences. However, based on the web search results, some of the most advanced features that are available in some of the CAD software are:
- **Cloud-based platform**: Some CAD software, such as Onshape¹, SimScale², and Fusion 360⁴, are cloud-based, which means they can be accessed from any device and location, without the need for installation or updates. This also enables collaboration and sharing of projects with other users and experts, as well as integration with other cloud services and applications.
- **Simulation and analysis tools**: Some CAD software, such as Solidworks¹, Autodesk Inventor¹, NX CAD², and Fusion 360⁴, have integrated simulation and analysis tools that allow users to test and optimize their designs for various scenarios and conditions, such as fluid flow, heat transfer, stress, vibration, and more. These tools can help users improve the performance, quality, and safety of their products, as well as reduce costs and time to market.
- **Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies**: Some CAD software, such as SketchUp¹, NX CAD², and Fusion 360⁴, have the ability to use AR and VR technologies to visualize and interact with their designs in a more immersive and realistic way. Users can see how their products would look and function in the real world, as well as explore different design options and alternatives.
- **Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities**: Some CAD software, such as Fusion 360⁴, have the potential to use AI and ML to enhance and automate various aspects of the design process, such as generating design suggestions, optimizing parameters, detecting errors, and learning from user feedback. These capabilities can help users create more innovative and efficient designs, as well as learn new skills and techniques.
These are some of the most advanced features that are available in some of the CAD software, according to the web search results. However, there may be other features that are not mentioned here, or that are specific to certain industries or applications. Therefore, the best way to find out which CAD software has the most advanced features for your needs is to try them out yourself, or to consult with experts or reviews.
Source:
(1) 12 Best CAD Software 2023 (For Every Skill Level!) - 3DSourced. https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-software/best-3d-cad-software/.
(2) List of Top Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software 2023 - TrustRadius. https://www.trustradius.com/computer-aided-design-cad.
(3) 12 best CAD software 2022 (free & paid) - WiseStamp. https://www.wisestamp.com/blog/best-cad-software/.
(4) Best Free CAD Software - 2023 Reviews & Comparison - SourceForge. https://sourceforge.net/software/cad/free-version/.
Tell me more about Computational Fluid Dynamics software history
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and computer software to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flows¹. CFD can be used for various applications in engineering, science, and industry, such as aerodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, turbulence, multiphase flows, and more¹.
The history of CFD can be traced back to the 17th century, when Isaac Newton tried to formulate the laws of motion and gravity for fluids³. However, the modern development of CFD began in the mid-20th century, when the advancement of computing technology and mathematics enabled the simulation of complex fluid phenomena²⁴.
Some of the key milestones in the history of CFD are:
- In the 1920s, Lewis Fry Richardson attempted to use finite difference methods to solve the Navier-Stokes equations, which govern the motion of viscous fluids¹². However, his calculations were too slow and inaccurate to be useful.
- In the 1930s, Theodor von Karman and John von Neumann developed the method of characteristics, which could solve the potential flow equations for inviscid and irrotational flows¹². They also applied the method to the problem of supersonic flow around airfoils.
- In the 1940s, John von Neumann and Robert Richtmyer developed the Lax-Wendroff scheme, which could solve the Euler equations for inviscid and compressible flows¹². They also introduced the concept of artificial viscosity to stabilize the numerical solution.
- In the 1950s, Peter Lax and Burton Wendroff developed the Lax-Friedrichs scheme, which improved the stability and accuracy of the Lax-Wendroff scheme¹². They also proved the Lax equivalence theorem, which states that a consistent and stable numerical scheme converges to the true solution of the differential equation.
- In the 1960s, Francis Harlow and colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed the marker-and-cell (MAC) method, which could solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a staggered grid and a marker particle technique¹². They also developed the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method, which could track the interface between two immiscible fluids¹².
- In the 1970s, Brian Spalding and Suhas Patankar developed the SIMPLE algorithm, which could solve the pressure-velocity coupling in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a collocated grid and an iterative procedure¹². They also developed the finite volume method, which could discretize the governing equations using a control volume approach¹².
- In the 1980s, Charles Hirsch and Antony Jameson developed the flux-difference splitting and flux-vector splitting schemes, which could solve the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows using a finite volume method and an upwind discretization¹². They also developed the multigrid method, which could accelerate the convergence of the numerical solution using a hierarchy of grids¹².
- In the 1990s, Uriel Frisch and colleagues developed the lattice Boltzmann method, which could simulate fluid flows using a kinetic model based on the Boltzmann equation and a discrete lattice¹². They also developed the concept of turbulence modeling, which could approximate the effects of small-scale turbulent motions using closure models¹².
- In the 2000s, George Karniadakis and Spencer Sherwin developed the spectral/hp element method, which could solve the Navier-Stokes equations using high-order polynomial basis functions and a hybrid mesh¹². They also developed the immersed boundary method, which could handle complex geometries using a non-conforming Cartesian grid and a Lagrangian boundary representation¹².
These are some of the major achievements and contributions in the history of CFD, according to the web search results. However, there are many other aspects and details that are not mentioned here, or that are specific to certain fields or applications.
Source:
(1) Computational fluid dynamics - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_fluid_dynamics.
(2) What is Computational Fluid Dynamics Software? - M-Star CFD. https://mstarcfd.com/computational-fluid-dynamics-software-essential-features/.
(3) Introductory Chapter: A Brief History of and Introduction to .... https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/76425.
(4) What is CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics | Overview - SimFlow. https://sim-flow.com/what-is-cfd-computational-fluid-dynamics/.
(5) CFD Simulation Software | SimFlow CFD: Free Download. https://sim-flow.com/download/cfd-simulation-software/.
(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_fluid_dynamics.
Who are some pioneers in the field of CFD?
Some pioneers in the field of CFD are:
- **Isaac Newton**: He was the first to try to formulate the laws of motion and gravity for fluids in the 17th century³.
- **Theodor von Karman and John von Neumann**: They developed the method of characteristics, which could solve the potential flow equations for inviscid and irrotational flows in the 1930s³. They also applied the method to the problem of supersonic flow around airfoils³.
- **John von Neumann and Robert Richtmyer**: They developed the Lax-Wendroff scheme, which could solve the Euler equations for inviscid and compressible flows in the 1940s³. They also introduced the concept of artificial viscosity to stabilize the numerical solution³.
- **Peter Lax and Burton Wendroff**: They developed the Lax-Friedrichs scheme, which improved the stability and accuracy of the Lax-Wendroff scheme in the 1950s³. They also proved the Lax equivalence theorem, which states that a consistent and stable numerical scheme converges to the true solution of the differential equation³.
- **Francis Harlow and colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory**: They developed the marker-and-cell (MAC) method, which could solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a staggered grid and a marker particle technique in the 1960s³. They also developed the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method, which could track the interface between two immiscible fluids³.
- **Brian Spalding and Suhas Patankar**: They developed the SIMPLE algorithm, which could solve the pressure-velocity coupling in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a collocated grid and an iterative procedure in the 1970s³. They also developed the finite volume method, which could discretize the governing equations using a control volume approach³.
- **Charles Hirsch and Antony Jameson**: They developed the flux-difference splitting and flux-vector splitting schemes, which could solve the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows using a finite volume method and an upwind discretization in the 1980s³. They also developed the multigrid method, which could accelerate the convergence of the numerical solution using a hierarchy of grids³.
- **Uriel Frisch and colleagues**: They developed the lattice Boltzmann method, which could simulate fluid flows using a kinetic model based on the Boltzmann equation and a discrete lattice in the 1990s³. They also developed the concept of turbulence modeling, which could approximate the effects of small-scale turbulent motions using closure models³.
- **George Karniadakis and Spencer Sherwin**: They developed the spectral/hp element method, which could solve the Navier-Stokes equations using high-order polynomial basis functions and a hybrid mesh in the 2000s³. They also developed the immersed boundary method, which could handle complex geometries using a non-conforming Cartesian grid and a Lagrangian boundary representation³.
Source:
(1) The future of CFD – Your 15 minutes free gaze into the crystal ball. https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/simcenter/the-future-of-cfd/.
(2) Fexilon - Pioneers in CAE & CFD Simulations. https://www.fexilon.com/.
(3) Pioneers in CFD Industry Join the MTC. https://www.the-mtc.org/news/pioneers-in-cfd-industry-join-the-mtc/.
Who is the most influential person in the field of CFD?
That is a difficult question to answer, as different people may have different opinions and criteria on who is the most influential person in the field of CFD. However, based on the web search results, some possible candidates are:
- **John von Neumann**: He was a mathematician and computer scientist who developed the Lax-Wendroff scheme, which could solve the Euler equations for inviscid and compressible flows¹. He also introduced the concept of artificial viscosity to stabilize the numerical solution¹. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern computing and numerical analysis².
- **Brian Spalding**: He was a mechanical engineer and professor who developed the SIMPLE algorithm, which could solve the pressure-velocity coupling in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a collocated grid and an iterative procedure¹. He also developed the finite volume method, which could discretize the governing equations using a control volume approach¹. He is considered as one of the pioneers of CFD and the founder of the first commercial CFD software, PHOENICS³.
- **Antony Jameson**: He is an aerospace engineer and professor who developed the flux-difference splitting and flux-vector splitting schemes, which could solve the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows using a finite volume method and an upwind discretization¹. He also developed the multigrid method, which could accelerate the convergence of the numerical solution using a hierarchy of grids¹. He is recognized as one of the leaders of CFD and the creator of several CFD codes, such as ARC2D, ARC3D, and FLO57⁴.
Source:
(1) 50 Most Influential (Bloomberg ranking) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_Most_Influential_%28Bloomberg_ranking%29.
(2) Big Take: Bloomberg 50, the Most Influential People of 2022 - Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-12-14/big-take-bloomberg-50-the-most-influential-people-of-2022.
(3) Michael H. Hart - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_H._Hart.
(4) The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_100:_A_Ranking_of_the_Most_Influential_Persons_in_History.
Who is the most recent influential person in the field of CFD?
There is no definitive answer to who is the most recent influential person in the field of CFD, as different people may have different opinions and criteria on who is influential and how to measure their impact. However, based on the web search results, some possible candidates are:
- **M. M. Bhatti**: He is a professor of mathematics and systems science at Shandong University of Science and Technology, China¹. He is the editor of the research topic "Recent Trends in Computational Fluid Dynamics" published by Frontiers in Physics in 2020¹. He has contributed to various aspects of CFD, such as heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, nanofluids, porous media, and boundary layer flows¹.
- **Danielle Balbi**: She is a senior editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and the lead editor of the Bloomberg 50 list, which recognizes the most influential people in business, entertainment, finance, politics, science and technology who defined 2022². She has overseen the selection and presentation of the list, which includes some people who have made significant contributions to CFD, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Gwynne Shotwell².
- **George Karniadakis**: He is a professor of applied mathematics at Brown University, USA³. He is the co-developer of the spectral/hp element method, which can solve the Navier-Stokes equations using high-order polynomial basis functions and a hybrid mesh³. He is also the co-developer of the immersed boundary method, which can handle complex geometries using a non-conforming Cartesian grid and a Lagrangian boundary representation³. He has applied CFD to various fields, such as biomedicine, hemodynamics, microfluidics, and nanotechnology³.
Source:
(1) Editorial: Recent Trends in Computational Fluid Dynamics. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2020.593111/full.
(2) Big Take: Bloomberg 50, the Most Influential People of 2022 - Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-12-14/big-take-bloomberg-50-the-most-influential-people-of-2022.
(3) Computational fluid dynamics - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_fluid_dynamics.