Flow Simulation (CFD)
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation for internal/external fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, and HVAC design validation.
Definition & Context
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation is an integrated CFD tool for internal and external flow, heat transfer, and conjugate (solid + fluid) thermal analysis. It uses an automatic Cartesian mesh with cut cells and a wizard that sets fluids, boundary conditions, goals, and the computational domain directly on the SOLIDWORKS model.
It targets design engineers rather than dedicated CFD specialists, with goal-based convergence and add-on modules (Electronics Cooling, HVAC). Velocity, pressure, and temperature results visualize in-model and are only as good as the mesh and boundary conditions.
Why It Matters
In-CAD CFD lets engineers check flow, pressure drop, and cooling during design without exporting to a standalone solver, so thermal and flow problems surface early.
Because meshing is automatic, understanding mesh refinement and boundary conditions is what separates a trustworthy result from a plausible-looking wrong one.
Best Practices
- Define realistic boundary conditions and a proper computational domain in the wizard
- Refine the mesh in high-gradient regions and run a mesh-independence check
- Set engineering goals to drive convergence and judge completion
- Validate against hand calculations or test data before trusting results
Common Pitfalls
- A coarse mesh giving convergent but inaccurate results
- Wrong boundary conditions or an undersized domain skewing the solution
- Treating a design-tool CFD result as validated analysis without checking
Standard Engineering Workflow for Flow Simulation (CFD)
2. Geometric Alignment & Profile Design
Lay out horizontal tangents and spiral transitions following AASHTO / Eurocode minimum curve radii, coupled with vertical slope crest/sag parabolic curves.
Common Failure Scenarios & Troubleshooting
| Failure / Geometric Issue | Root Cause & Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Surface triangulation bridges across steep ravines incorrectly | Add linear Breaklines along tops/toes of slopes or specify 'Maximum Triangle Length' under Surface Build Properties. |
| Horizontal curve radius triggers AASHTO violation flags | Adjust minimum transition spiral length or increase curve radius to meet minimum design speed superelevation criteria. |
| Coordinates offset by several meters after CAD/GIS import | Verify projection datum and false easting/northing parameters in MAPCSASSIGN before importing geospatial shapefiles. |
Industry Standards & Compliance Codes
- Eurocode 7 (Geotechnical Design - EN 1997)
- ISO 19650 (BIM for Civil Infrastructure)
References & Further Reading
Related Concepts
Explore more SOLIDWORKS topics in our SOLIDWORKS knowledge base, or browse the full terminology index.
For structured learning, see our SOLIDWORKS learning path.