This section provides an overview for thermal fluid analysis software as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 thermal fluid analysis software manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked thermal fluid analysis software companies as of November, 2024: 1.Diabatix, 2.Creare, 3.ARRK Engineering GmbH.
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Categories Related to Thermal Fluid Analysis Software
Graduated with a master's degree in mechacanical engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tokyo.
As a student, he was engaged in research on thermophysical properties and materials, such as thermal interface materials and heat insulating materials.
After that, he mainly engaged in the development of coating equipment and CAE work at a chemical manufacturing company. Currently, he is engaged in research and development related to CFD, molecular dynamics, chemical equilibrium, and gas-liquid equilibrium at a food manufacturing company.
Thermal fluid analysis software is software that can express and analyze fluid flow and heat transfer through simulation by solving modeled equations using a computer.
It is difficult to read the flow motion of fluids, such as liquids and gases, from actual phenomena through experiments. By using simulation to visualize, it is possible to grasp the "flow" visually, which is difficult to see, and to analyze it quantitatively.
Thermal fluid analysis software can represent the velocity of the fluid, the magnitude of the pressure, the temperature distribution, and the change of state, etc., and visually capture them. This is useful for checking and analyzing the selection of the optimal flow path, the shape of the object, and the maximum achievable temperature during simulation settings.
Thermal fluid analysis software is used in a variety of fields, including engineering and industry, as well as the space and aerospace industries. Simulation is effective because heat and fluids are difficult to actually visualize.
Furthermore, in the space and aerospace industries, it is not possible to conduct many actual experiments due to cost and physical considerations. Therefore, it is very important to analyze through simulation and verify the possibilities in various environments.
For example, in the aerospace industry, thermal fluid analysis software is used to simulate the design of a tail fin shape. This is useful in selecting the optimal tail fin shape. In addition, thermal fluid analysis software is widely used to simulate the movement of fluid through piping, changes in pressure, and the rotation of screw blades and other components.
Figure 1. Basic equations of thermal fluid analysis software
There are three basic equations for thermo-fluids: the equation of continuity (conservation of mass), the equation of conservation of momentum (Navier-Stokes equation), and the law of conservation of energy (conservation of energy). Thermal fluid analysis software derives various physical quantities by solving the equations with a computer based on these physical laws.
The rule is that there is no such thing as "something out of nothing," where a fluid springs out of nothing or suddenly disappears in the middle of an empty space.
It is a law that the intensity of motion of an object does not change unless some external force is applied to it. In fact, it is derived from Newton's equations of motion.
It is a law that energy does not increase or decrease on its own unless it is given externally. Energy includes internal energy such as temperature and kinetic energy such as velocity, but the sum of all of them is the same.
Figure 2. Thermo-fluid analysis software configuration
Commercial thermal fluid analysis software often includes model creation, simulation execution, and post-processing. However, there are some software packages that only include the simulation execution part (solver) or software dedicated to the model creation part.
Preprocessing is the process of creating the geometry for thermal-fluid analysis. In most cases, file formats such as STEP, IGES, Parasolid, etc., created in 3D CAD can be used.
Thermal fluid analysis software also provides the ability to set boundary conditions, such as where fluid flows into the structure and where the temperature is constant. To perform calculations, the geometry of the model is represented by a grid called a mesh.
Creating a clean mesh is an important factor in increasing the speed and accuracy of the analysis. Modeling software is equipped with a function that allows the user to select the size of the mesh easily and automatically generate a high-quality mesh.
It refers to the part of the software commonly known as the solver. Thermal fluid analysis software in the narrow sense of the term refers to this part of the software. Solvers are equipped with functions for solving continuity equations, momentum conservation equations, energy conservation equations, and so on.
Nowadays, solvers are equipped with the ability to solve more complex models and to perform calculations at higher speeds in response to improvements in computer performance.
By visualizing the analysis results with 3D models, etc., the analysis results can be understood more intuitively. Analysis functions have different features depending on the product.
From the calculation results, contour plots showing pressure and temperature distribution in different colors, vector plots showing flow with arrows, and stream plots with lines can be created.
Figure 3. Schematic of thermal fluid analysis software functions
First, there are two main methods for representing fluids: discretizing a single space. The finite element method and the finite volume method are well-known methods.
On the other hand, there is the particle method, which represents the fluid as a collection of particles. As described above, there are various CAE-specific methods, techniques, and functions, so it is necessary to set the optimal method and conditions for each simulation, depending on the phenomenon to be simulated, and it is important to select software that has such functions.
Thermal fluid analysis software ranges from simple and easy-to-use to multifunctional software that is used by thermal fluid analysis professionals. It is important to consider what phenomena you want to analyze and what you need. In addition, there are differences in the license fee structure. Select the most appropriate software after clarifying the purpose of use and necessary functions.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Cadence Design Systems, established in 1988, is a US-based manufacturer specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) software, providing cutting-edge solutions for chip and system design to enable groundbreaking products for electronic systems and semiconductor companies. Their digital design tools create complex integrated circuits (ICs) for applications like smartphones, IoT devices, and automotive electronics. Advanced analog and mixed-signal design tools develop high-performance ICs for data converters and power management. Cadence's system design and verification tools facilitate complex electronic systems like ASICs and FPGAs. By adopting their software solutions, customers streamline design processes, reduce time-to-market, and gain a competitive edge.
Autodesk Inc is a manufacturer of 3D softwares, founded in 1982, and headquartered in Mill Valley, California. Offerings of the company encompass 3D design and modeling tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360 for architecture, engineering, and product design. In the construction realm, it provides BIM 360, aiding in streamlined project management and collaboration. For the media and entertainment sector, software like Maya and 3ds Max facilitates 3D animation and rendering. Additionally, the company's portfolio includes engineering simulation software, CAM tools, educational resources, cloud-based collaboration platforms, as well as VR/AR applications, and solutions for GIS, mapping, robotics, and PLM.
COMSOL Inc., is a developer and manufacturer of simulation and modeling software that was established in 1998 as the US subsidiary of the Swedish COMSOL Group. Based in Burlington, MA, the company primarily offers its Multiphysics branded software platform, which can create, edit, and simulate multiphysics models via programming environments or a graphical interface (GUI). It also provides more than thirty different addons for Multiphysics, including fluid dynamics, acoustics, and structural dynamics modules. COMSOL, Inc. products are used in the industrial and technology sectors, including in facility design, research, and optimization processes.
ANSYS, Inc., established in 1970, is an American multinational manufacturer headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, specializing in simulation software. The company develops ANSYS Simulation Software, a suite of tools used for computer-aided engineering analysis. These software tools empower engineers and designers to simulate and assess product and system behavior across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and energy. The software offers a wide array of simulation capabilities, encompassing electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, multiphysics simulations, and structural analysis. By utilizing ANSYS software, engineers can streamline product development, enhance overall product performance, address complex engineering challenges, and foster innovation throughout the design process.
SolidWorks Corporation, headquartered in the United States, is a software supplier company specializing in 3D computer-aided design (CAD) solutions since 1993. The company has become a major provider of cutting-edge design and engineering software for various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Their flagship product, SolidWorks CAD software, empowers engineers and designers to bring their ideas to life with precision and efficiency. Their solution portfolio unites the customer's entire ecosystem, allowing them to connect the people, applications, and real-time data from every aspect of their business for improved productivity, increased collaboration, and accelerated innovation.
ARRK Engineering GmbH, established in 1967 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, operates as a motor vehicle manufacturer serving the automotive and mobility industries. The company's product offerings include digitalization & software, car bodies & high-voltage batteries, powertrains, chassis, and interior & exterior solutions. These products cater to a diverse range of sectors, including optical systems, electronics & software, acoustics, thermal management, and the automotive industry. The company collaborates with partners including IPETRONIK, FutureCamp, and Synera.
Thermic Electric Solutions SL, established in 1977 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a manufacturer specializing in electric equipment for heat production. The company offers an extensive and diverse product category including boilers, spas, and bakery, offering a comprehensive catalog of equipment. This includes industrial steam generators, hot water accumulators, steam boilers, industrial thermal fluid boilers, and fermentation conditioners, among other products. These machines serve an array of applications, such as generating steam for power generation, creating warm and humid environments for yoga practice, and providing relaxation through hydrotherapy and sauna experiences.
Murata Software Co., Ltd., established in 2008 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer that develops and sells CAE software. The company provides simulation software, component simulation data, and CAE software called Femtet. It also offers S-parameters, SPICE models, libraries for circuit simulators, and 3D data for CAD/CAE software. Its Femtet is designed to meet eight different analysis needs, including thermal conduction, fluid, piezoelectric, and acoustic analysis. It has ISO 9001 certification for its manufacturing plant. It serves Electronics Industries and Academic Fields.
Maya HTT Ltd., founded in 1982 with headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a manufacturer of industrial software applications and simulation suites. The company's software products offer solutions that include computational fluid dynamics, data analytics, product life cycle management, additive manufacturing, and electromagnetic simulation. It also offers digital services that include the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D design, and process simulation. The company serves various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, transportation, and construction.
Dassault Systemes, a technology company established in 1981 in France, is a supplier of the 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) business and innovation platform and virtual software solutions. The company’s SaaS provides individuals, commercial, industrial, and research organizations with a real-time visualization of their business activity and ecosystem. Dassault Systems' core business is the provision of 3D design software, 3D digital mockups, and product lifecycle management. The 3DX cloud-based platform is available with options that include computer-aided design, project management solutions, and three-dimensional rendering. Dassault Systemes' software is used in the architecture, consumer products, lifestyle, and industrial equipment markets, among many others.
Orbital Stack is a manufacturer and supplier of wind engineering, air quality, structural design and weather forecasting analyses based in Ontario, Canada. The company's AI-powered simulation software, Orbital Stack AI, provides engineers,designers and architects with early qualitative guidance on wind comfort, thermal comfort and cladding pressures. The software is the first microclimate-analysis tool developed by RWDI that is being used by companies to manage risks and make climate-informed decisions.Orbital Stack has a clientless user interface between the designer and the software's cloud where a single model can run multiple simulations.
Diabatix is a Belgian software company that specializes in generative thermal design. Through a combination of AI and generative design, our software is capable of designing, analyzing, and optimizing heat sinks and cold plates with extreme speed and efficiency. These applications are widely used in innovations all around the globe, ranging from electric vehicles to consumer electronics and power applications. With a focus on heat transfer, the cooling components generated from our software are made to cool the high-powered tech of today and tomorrow.
Software Cradle Co., Ltd., founded in Beavercreek, Ohio, in 1984 is a provider of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software. The company's product portfolio includes Thermo-fluid analysis simulation tool used for analyzing complex thermal/fluid phenomena, thermal dynamics software, and integrated simulation tools. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also offers services such as data mining, process integration and design optimization.
PD Solutions, founded in Singapore in 2003, is a supplier of CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM solutions. The company offers a variety of products, including PTC Creo design packages, PTC Creo simulate live, PTC Creo generative design, PTC Creo advanced surfacing, and Vuforia chalk,as well as providing services such as software deployment, consulting, and training. The company has partnerships with software providers and is a certified training partner for CREO, ANSYS, MOLDEX3D, ProTOp, and others.
Altair Engineering Inc., founded in, Troy, MI, in 1985 is a supplier of computational science and AI, converging software and cloud solutions in simulation, HPC, and data analytics.t The company's product portfolio includes Data Analytics & AI, Electronic System Design, Fluids & Thermal, HPC & Cloud and Industrial Design Applications. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
OpenCFD Ltd was established in 2004 and has its headquarters in Reading, United Kingdom, and it operates as a distributor of open-source computational fluid dynamic toolbox and documentation products. The company offers a wide array of capabilities for addressing diverse fluid dynamics problems, encompassing intricate phenomena such as chemical reactions, turbulence, and heat transfer, as well as acoustics, solid mechanics, and electromagnetics. The product is issued biannually to incorporate customer-sponsored developments and contributions from the community professionally.
SimScale has been a supplier of cloud-based simulation since it was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) company provides access to simulation tools and computational resources through its cloud-based platform, to simulate various physical phenomena and test the performance of designs virtually. The platform provides access to a wide range of simulation tools and pre-built templates, allowing users to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and other simulations. SimScale's products have diverse applications across multiple industries such as Aerospace and Aviation, Automotive, Energy, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and more.
Siemens EDA is an American distributor of integrated circuit (IC) as well as printed circuit board (PCB) design and verification software that was established in 1981 as a subsidiary of the German company Siemens AG. Based in Wilsonville, Oregon, the company offers emulation, simulation, layout, wire harness, and design-for-manufacturing software tools for use in conceptualizing and testing various IC or PCB mockups. This saves time in the prototyping and troubleshooting stages of their production processes, increasing efficiency while reducing risk of cost overages. Siemens EDA chiefly serves clients in the semiconductor, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics sectors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Diabatix |
22.0%
|
2 | Creare |
11.7%
|
3 | ARRK Engineering GmbH |
8.8%
|
4 | OpenCFD Ltd |
6.3%
|
5 | Software Cradle Co., Ltd. |
6.3%
|
6 | Technical Co., Ltd. |
4.9%
|
7 | Murata Software Co., Ltd. |
4.4%
|
8 | C&R Technologies, Inc |
3.9%
|
9 | Fluid Codes |
3.4%
|
10 | ANSYS, Inc |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the thermal fluid analysis software page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 6 | 40.0% |
Germany | 2 | 13.3% |
Japan | 2 | 13.3% |
Spain | 1 | 6.7% |
Belgium | 1 | 6.7% |
Singapore | 1 | 6.7% |
Canada | 1 | 6.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.7% |
13 products are listed.
IT Assistcom
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