Posted Sep 30, 2010, by J VanDomelen
CFD, Giving Our Prototype Machinists a Break
Computational fluid dynamics, of CFD, was a central focus of recent industry events, and I find the topic keeps cropping up in mil/aero discussions of late. In fact, CFD simulation tools are increasingly being employed by military prime contractors (aka, primes) to meet contract requirements, such as survivability in extreme environments and temperatures, … Read More
Tags:
Mentor.com,
Mentor Graphics,
Hardware,
aluminum,
Azonix,
Heat Sink,
Mechanical,
Mentor,
Aerospace,
Embedded Systems,
Copper,
Crane,
Engineer,
CAD,
FloEFD,
CFD,
Design Automation,
Design,
EDA,
Mil-Aero,
Thermal,
Vetronics,
Software,
Terra Server,
Model,
prototype,
Milaero,
Military
Posted Jun 21, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
This final blog in this series focuses on what is sometimes the most ethereal of CFD modelling arts, where and how to define your peripheral boundary conditions. A fancy phrase but in reality no more than deciding where the interface is between what you model and what you don’t. Heat is contemptuous of such divisions, it will spread out from it’s source and keep on spreading via convection, conduction … Read More
Tags:
modelling,
boundary condition,
CFD,
BC,
Model,
Modeling,
Electronics Cooling
Posted Jun 4, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
Any simulation technology based on an approach of subdividing a 3D model into many tessellated control volumes (e.g. the finite volume method) will be affected by the shape and size of those ‘mesh cells’ or ‘grid’. How fine should the mesh be to resolve the physics of the model being simulated? Good question. I used to ask my art teacher how to draw curtains. You don’t have to be a comic to figure out … Read More
Tags:
modelling,
Electronics Cooling,
CFD,
Model,
Modeling,
Grid,
Mesh
Posted May 20, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
Sometimes the ability to apply artistic interpretation of your virtual product to your simulation model of it is limited or dictated (take your pick) by the available capabilities of that simulation tool. CFD simulation is quite a young technology, application to electronics cooling newer still, a mere 21 years old. Always pushing the limit of available computing resource, always adapting to the ever … Read More
Tags:
modelling,
compact model,
Electronics Cooling,
BCI,
Model,
Modeling,
Fan
Posted May 17, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
Never trust a TLA (three-letter acronym) or those who use them, unless the abbreviation provides some value in terms of repetitive usage or is accepted as an industry standard. Too often TLAs are used as a screen between those who are listening and the incompetence of the person talking. TIGs (thermally insignificant geometries) as a TLA is neither useful nor accepted, I just made it up. Thermally … Read More
Tags:
modelling,
Electronics Cooling,
flomcad,
CFD,
Model,
Modeling,
MCAD
Posted May 13, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
Wiki quote: “A grille is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.” For electronic products that need to be kept cool, getting cool air in through grille work is commonplace, thermal designers love them, EMC/EMI designers don’t. For such products, keeping … Read More
Tags:
science,
CFD,
Electronics Cooling,
art,
Modeling,
modelling,
Model
Posted May 10, 2010, by Robin Bornoff
Considering that CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is an advanced mathematical method for predicting fluid flow and heat transfer using a computational software approach I find it paradoxical that it is often as much an art as it is a science. A model by its very definition is a representation of something. A computer model is a virtual representation of a system (e.g. a laptop, a rack mounted server, … Read More
Tags:
science,
CFD,
art,
Modeling,
modelling,
FloVENT,
Model
Posted Jan 22, 2010, by Michael Stamper
I read an interesting article at http://www.physorg.com/news183361139.html by Lin Edwards that describes a new single person electric aircraft that and hover like a helicopter and fly like a plane. As quoted by Lin:
The cruising speed of the Puffin is expected to be 240 kph, with spurts of 480 kph possible. The engine does not require air, which means its flight capabilities are not limited by thin … Read More
Tags:
Model,
Mentor Graphics,
ECAD,
EE,
Aerospace Design,
Electrical Engineering,
Electrical Wiring Interconnection System,
Electrical Design,
Electrical Distribution System
Posted Jan 11, 2010, by Michael Stamper
The differences in documentation standards for electrical design are as vast as the number of stars in the sky. No two are alike, no matter what the claims - there is always “something” different. If your company provides documentation to more than one customer then the problem is even greater. The problem is lies with the tools being used to create the drawings. Typically I see companies trying … Read More
Tags:
Model,
Mentor Graphics,
Wire Harness,
Automotive Design,
CHS,
Aerospace Design,
Electrical Distribution System,
Electrical Engineering,
ECAD,
Electrical Design
Posted Dec 16, 2009, by Michael Stamper
The line between something we WANT vs. something we NEED is often a blurry one. With regards to electrical design software it is very important to understand the difference in order to prioritize requests for features.
I have the pleasure of working with many customers across different industries. In all of my travels I have met smart, dedicated people doing the best they can for their company. … Read More
Tags:
Data Accuracy,
Model,
Capital Harness Systems,
Validation
Jim Martens
John Day
Nazita Saye
Michael Ford
Mike Jensen
Colin Walls
Tom Fitzpatrick
Patrick Carrier
Mark Laing
Travis Mikjaniec
Christopher Hallinan
Bernard Sutton