The 3D models of components are created and materials are specified. Opening and surfaces are detailed.
The components are imported into the CFD program. During preprocessing, the model geometry (physical bounds) for the problem is defined, and materials are adopted. The volume occupied by the fluids is divided into discrete cells (called the mesh). The mesh may be uniform or non-uniform, and even adapted during analysis to concentrate on areas of higher activity.
The physical modeling is defined – for example, the equations of motion + enthalpy + radiation + species conservation Boundary conditions are defined. This involves specifying the fluid behaviour and properties at the boundaries of the problem. For transient problems, the initial conditions are also defined.
The simulation is started and the equations are solved alliteratively as a steady-state or transient.
Finally a post-processor is used for the analysis and visualization of the resulting solution.