Langford Analytic · Knowledge Base
Computational Fluid Dynamics
How computational fluid dynamics converts conservation equations, geometry and boundary conditions into numerical predictions of fluid flow — from fundamentals and turbulence modelling through external aerodynamics, internal flow, compressibility, transonic shocks, conjugate heat transfer, transient CFD and engineering substantiation.
Flow Fundamentals
CFD FundamentalsHow computational fluid dynamics converts conservation equations, geometry and boundary conditions into a numerical representation of fluid flow.Conservation of Mass, Momentum & EnergyThe physical conservation laws that underpin every credible CFD calculation.Reynolds Number & Flow RegimesHow the balance between inertial and viscous effects influences laminar, transitional and turbulent flow behaviour.Boundary Layers, Separation & Wake FormationHow near-wall flow develops, separates and generates wakes that influence aerodynamic forces and losses.
Model Definition
CFD Domain & Boundary ConditionsHow domain size and inlet, outlet, wall and far-field conditions define the physical problem being solved.Meshing Strategy for CFDHow cell type, refinement, quality and placement influence numerical accuracy and computational cost.Near-Wall Meshing & y+Why near-wall resolution must be matched to the turbulence model and wall treatment rather than chosen arbitrarily.Turbulence Modelling FundamentalsWhy turbulence requires additional modelling and how unresolved turbulent motion influences the mean flow solution.RANS Turbulence ModelsThe strengths, limitations and typical applications of common Reynolds-averaged turbulence modelling approaches.LES, DES & Higher-Fidelity Turbulence ModellingWhen resolving larger turbulent structures can provide additional physical detail and what that extra fidelity costs.
Result Interpretation
External & Internal Flow
External AerodynamicsModelling flow around vehicles, wings, UAVs and other bodies where separation, wake formation and surface pressure determine performance.Lift, Drag & Aerodynamic CoefficientsHow aerodynamic forces and moments are normalised and interpreted for engineering comparison.Internal Flow & Pressure LossUnderstanding flow distribution, recirculation and pressure loss through ducts, manifolds and internal passages.
Compressibility & Thermal-Fluid
Compressible Flow & Mach Number EffectsHow pressure, density, temperature and velocity become coupled as compressibility becomes significant.Transonic & Shock-Wave CFDHow shocks, transonic flow and shock–boundary-layer interaction change both the physics and numerical requirements of CFD.Conjugate Heat TransferHow conduction within solids and convection within fluids are solved together to predict coupled thermal-fluid behaviour.Transient CFD & Unsteady FlowWhen time-dependent CFD is required to resolve vortex shedding, pulsation, motion and other genuinely unsteady phenomena.
Verification & Substantiation
CFD Verification, Convergence & ValidationHow residuals, mesh studies, sensitivity analysis and experimental correlation establish confidence in a CFD model.From CFD Model to Engineering SubstantiationTurning flow-field predictions into traceable aerodynamic, thermal or structural engineering evidence.
Advanced Flow Physics
Multiphase Flow CFDHow to choose, configure and verify CFD models when more than one fluid phase or dispersed phase materially affects the engineering response.Free-Surface CFD — Sloshing, Waves & Liquid InterfacesHow to model moving liquid–gas interfaces for sloshing, wave loading, filling, draining and other free-surface engineering problems.Cavitation CFD — Vapour Formation, Collapse & Engineering AssessmentHow to model and verify cavitation when local pressure falls sufficiently for vapour formation to change performance, loads or damage risk.Porous-Media CFD — Pressure Loss, Flow Distribution & Thermal CouplingHow porous-media representations reduce complex repeated flow passages into defensible momentum and thermal resistance models.