Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations in Food Processing

A rather general procedure in a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis starts with the formulation of the problem from the physics-based analysis. Physics-based mathematical modelling approaches are fundamental tools for food process design and optimization purposes, and CFD is a significant way of using this tool in an effective way. CFD is, in fact, a part of fluid dynamics which uses numerical approximations to solve and analyze problems involving fluids. CFD analysis carried out in industries mainly finds its applications in redesigning the product for manufacturing so that it has a better performance, developing new product and conceptually analyzing new designs before manufacturing. All CFD solutions, in general, require an input file containing values for input parameters and the adopted simulation strategy. The available results are then compared with the already reliable and analytical, computational or experimental results in order to validate the computed results and reliability of the CFD code.