Mathematical Biology has found recent success applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model airflow in the human lung. Detailed modeling of flow patterns in the alveoli, where the oxygen-carbon dioxide gas exchange occurs, has provided data that is useful in treating illnesses and designing drug-delivery systems. Unfortunately, many CFD software packages have high licensing fees that are out of reach for independent researchers. This thesis uses three open-source software packages, Gmsh, OpenFOAM, and ParaView, to design a mesh, create a simulation, and visualize the results of an idealized terminal alveolar sac model. This model successfully demonstrates that OpenFOAM can be used to model airflow in the acinar region of the lung under biologically relevant conditions.

Laser welding is commonly used in the automotive-, steel- and aerospace industry. It is a highly non-linear and coupled process where the weld geometry is strongly affected by the flow pattern in the melt pool. Experimental observations are challenging since the melt pool and melt flow below the surface are not yet accessible during welding. Improved process control would allow maintaining, or improving, product quality with less material and contribute further to sustainability by reducing production errors. Numerical modelling with Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD, provides complementary understanding with access to process properties that are not yet reachable with experimental observation. However, the existing numerical models lack predictability when considering the weld shape. The work presented here is the development of a model for conduction laser welding. The solver upon which the model is based is first described in detail. Then different validation cases are applied in order to test specific parts of the physics implemented. Two cases focus on thermocapillary convection in two-phase and three-phase flows with surface deformation. Finally, a third case considers the melt pool flow during conduction mode welding.It is concluded that the convection of fusion enthalpy, which was neglected in former studies, should be included in the model. The implementation of the thermo capillary force is recommended to be consistent with the other surface forces to avoid unphysical solution. Free surface oscillations, known from experimental observations, are also computed numerically. However, further investigation is needed to check that these oscillations are not disturbed b ynumerical oscillations.

This master’s thesis is focused on optimization of rear wing of sport car by using open-source software. The optimization of 2D profile of the rear wing is present in this thesis. Python environment was chosen for optimization and evolutionary algorithm was is used as optimization function. This algorithm is further connected to Xfoil software, which is computing aerodynamic characteristic. The ratio of the lift and drag coefficients (C_L/C_D) is chosen as parameter which considers the aerodynamic efficiency. The CFD computation of flowing around the whole car is provided in open-source software OpenFOAM. . The profile optimization results to approximately 7.9 % raise of the parameter C_L/C_D, in the same wing stability. The main benefit of this work is to use open-source software for the optimization and CFD analysis, which in future might save company’s resources by not buying expensive commercial software licenses.

Nos travaux ont porté sur l’étude des structures hydrodynamiques spatio-temporelles présentes dans le sillage d’un mât d’éolienne en mer, assimilé ici à un cylindre, pour une application future au parc éolien de Courseulles-sur-Mer. L’analyse hydrodynamique s’est focalisée sur le phénomène de synchronisation entre des vagues régulières et le sillage généré par le courant derrière deux cylindres verticaux. Un diagramme d’état résumant les différents régimes de synchronisation par rapport aux fréquences des vagues et amplitudes étudiées, a été établi. Pour compléter les résultats obtenus avec les vagues régulières, la synchronisation a aussi été étudiée en présence de vagues irrégulières. Dans le cas de vagues irrégulières, le coefficient de diffusion de la phase, K a été utilisé pour expliquer la synchronisation des fréquences. Après l’étude du phénomène de synchronisation, des essais ont été consacrés au transport sédimentaire (affouillement et rides) autour et dans un environnement proche d’un cylindre vertical sous l’effet de plusieurs types d’écoulement. Parallèlement aux expériences en laboratoire, une étude numérique a été amorcée. Dans un premier temps, une simulation DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation) d’un écoulement d’un courant seul autour d’un cylindre vertical a été effectuée. Un cas d’écoulement plus compliqué (i.e. Comprenant des vagues) et un domaine numérique simulant l’impact hydrodynamique d’un réseau de cylindres (modélisant un réseau de mâts d’éoliennes) soumis à un courant seul ont également été mis en oeuvre. Ce réseau comprend 4 cylindres disposés sur 2 rangées. Après l’étude numérique d’un courant seul, le solveur olaFoam a été utilisé pour imposer un écoulement composé d’un courant et de vagues dans un domaine relativement simple : sans obstacle et avec un fond lisse. Les résultats numériques se sont révélés être en assez bon accord avec la littérature au voisinage de la surface libre, montrant la décélération du courant de surface lorsque les vagues et le courant en entrée se propagent dans le même sens. / The various experiments carried out have laid emphasis on the study of hydrodynamic spatio-temporal structures found in an offshore wind turbine’s mast, coupled to a cylinder, which will later on be used at the Courseulles-sur-Mer wind farm. The hydrodynamic analysis focused on the synchronization phenomenon between regular waves and the Von Karman Street generated by a current, behind two different vertical cylinders. A diagram showing the different synchronization regimes with respect to the frequencies of the waves and the amplitudes studied, has been drawn. In addition to the results obtained with regular waves, the synchronization phenomenon has also been analysed using irregular waves. In the case of irregular waves, the phase diffusion coefficient, K, has been used to explain the different frequency synchronization observed. After having studied the synchronization phenomenon, tests were carried out on the study of sediment transport (scour and ripples) under the effect of different types of flows in an environment close to a vertical cylinder. In parallel to the laboratory experiments, a numerical study has also been conducted by studying the DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation) of a steady flow of current around a vertical cylinder. In addition to that a more complicated flow of a steady current around a network of cylinders comprising of a series of 4 cylinders arranged in 2 rows (representing a network of wind turbine masts) have also been observed and analysed. After having studied the flow made up by a steady current, the olafoam solver was used to apply a flow made up of both currents and waves in an obstacle free environment with a smooth floor. The numerical results obtained close to the free surface have been found to fairly agree with the findings of other related studies conducted. We observed a reduction in the intensity of the surface current when the waves and the current propagate in the same direction.

No description available.

Numerical simulations of the complex flows of complex (viscoelastic) fluids are investigated. The primary fluid investigated in this thesis is human blood, a complex fluid which can be modelled via viscoelastic constitutive models. The most commonly used constitutive models for viscoelastic fluids include the OldroydB, Giesekus, Johnson-Segalman, Finitely Extensible Non-Linear Elastic (FENE), Phan-Thein-Tanner (PTT) models etc. Our Numerical approach is based on the finite volume methods implemented on the OpenFOAM platform. We employ the Giesekus, Oldroyd-B, and Generalized Oldroyd-B viscoelastic constitutive models in this thesis, depending on the underlying context. Numerical validation of our results is conducted via the most used benchmark flow problems for viscoelastic fluid flow. The robust and efficient numerical methodologies are then deployed to investigate the flow characteristics, and hence illustrate various novel behavior, for blood flow in stenosed and bifurcated arteries. The present work took advantage of the availability of a reasonable set of viscoelastic constitutive model solvers within OpenFOAM, specifically the viscoelasticFluidFoam solver which we modified and developed to suit our focused needs for blood flow computations. The modified computational algorithms were successfully validated against well-known benchmark flow problems in the literature. Noting that the Giesekus viscoelastic constitutive model is a generalization of both the Oldroyd-B and Generalized Oldroyd-B models, the validation of results is carried out via the Giesekus model enabling us to develop a general-purpose code capable of simulating several viscoelastic constitutive models. The main results were otherwise presented for the Oldroyd-B and Generalized Oldroyd-B models as these are the most applicable to blood flow modelling. The results demonstrate that the velocity spurt through the stenosis is directly proportional to the constriction caused by the stenosis. The higher the blockage from the constriction, the higher the corresponding velocity spurt through the constriction. This velocity behavior, as the constriction blockage increases, correspondingly increase the wall shear stresses. High wall shear stresses significantly increase the possibility of rupture of the stenosis/blockage. This can lead to catastrophic consequences in the usual case where the stenosis is caused by tumor growth.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] La disponibilidad de recursos hídricos a nivel mundial ha disminuido significativamente. Entre los principales agentes que han provocado esta situación se encuentran el cambio climático, la contaminación ambiental, las actividades humanas y las fallas en las estructuras hidráulicas, entre otros. Cada vez es más complicado acceder a fuentes apropiadas que cumplan con la calidad y cantidad del recurso. A pesar de ello, la pérdida de agua debida a fugas en sistemas de distribución presurizados todavía maneja valores considerables, con pérdidas significativas a nivel mundial. Teniendo en cuenta que la necesidad de agua es cada vez mayor, se deben implementar proyectos sostenibles que permitan optimizar al máximo la disponibilidad y el uso del recurso. El objetivo principal de esta tesis es desarrollar una propuesta metodológica, que permita estimar las curvas características de las bombas que trabajan como turbinas (PATs) a partir del número específico de la máquina y en función de la velocidad de giro, desarrollando las leyes modificadas de semejanza. El cumplimiento de los objetivos de esta tesis es a través de la elaboración de tres artículos publicados, que permitieron: (i) Realizar la contextualización respecto al estado del arte en PATs con énfasis en las metodologías de obtención de la predicción del comportamiento en las mismas tales como la realización de modelos numéricos con CFDs; (ii) Proponer una nueva estrategia para desarrollar un modelo matemático para bombas que funcionan como turbinas (PATs), considerando las leyes de afinidad modificadas; (iii) Ejecutar la modelación numérica a través del paquete de código libre OpenFOAM de una bomba que trabaja como turbina y , (iv)Validar los resultados , tanto de la aplicación de las nuevas expresiones y de la modelación numérica, a través de la comparación con resultados experimentales obtenidos de los ensayos realizados a una PATs. En el Articulo 1, que corresponde a la Fase de Contextualización, se realizó una investigación en la literatura técnica sobre PATs: Características, aplicaciones y diferentes estrategias utilizadas para comprender el comportamiento del flujo. Dentro de estas estrategias, se encuentra la simulación numérica del fenómeno con paquetes CFD (Dinámica Fluido Computacional). Se analizaron 56 casos donde se estudian diferentes tipos de máquinas: axiales, mixtas y radiales bajo operación con velocidad de giro fija y velocidad de giro variable. En función de esta información se calculó el error entre la modelación numérica y los resultados experimentales; y se verificaron las principales características de las modelaciones tales como paquete CFD utilizado, modelos de cierre, tipo de mallado, etc. En el Artículo 2, que corresponde a la primera parte de la Fase del Procedimiento Analítico, se propuso un análisis con diez expresiones generales (polinómicas y exponenciales), considerando las variables más significativas. En función de este análisis se obtuvieron nuevas expresiones para obtener las curvas características de las PATs. Estas expresiones se verificaron y compararon con 15 máquinas diferentes, que se probaron variando su velocidad de rotación y su velocidad específica. En la segunda parte de la Fase del Procedimiento Analítico, se realizó una simulación numérica con el paquete CFD OpenFOAM de una PATs que ha sido ensayada en el instituto CERIS de Portugal. Por medio de los resultados experimentales se logró validar tanto las nuevas expresiones propuestas en el Artículo 2 así como la modelación numérica. En el Artículo 3 se presenta el desarrollo de esta metodología. / [CA] La disponibilitat de recursos hídrics a nivell mundial ha disminuït significativament. Entre els principals agents que han provocat aquesta situació es troben el canvi climàtic, la contaminació ambiental, les activitats humanes i les falles en les estructures hidràuliques, entre altres. Cada vegada és més complicat accedir a fonts apropiades que complisquen amb la qualitat i quantitat del recurs. Malgrat això, la pèrdua d'aigua deguda a fugides en sistemes de distribució pressuritzats encara maneja valors considerables, amb pèrdues significatives a nivell mundial. Tenint en compte que la necessitat d'aigua és cada vegada major, s'han d'implementar projectes sostenibles que permeten optimitzar al màxim la disponibilitat i l'ús del recurs. L'objectiu principal d'aquesta tesi és desenvolupar una proposta metodològica, que permeta estimar les corbes característiques de les bombes que treballen com a turbines (PATs) a partir del número específic de la màquina i en funció de la velocitat de gir, desenvolupant les lleis modificades de semblança. El compliment dels objectius d'aquesta tesi és a través de l'elaboració de tres articles publicats, que van permetre: (i) Realitzar la contextualització respecte a l'estat de l'art en PATs amb èmfasi en les metodologies d'obtenció de la predicció del comportament en les mateixes com ara la realització de models numèrics amb CFDs; (ii) Proposar una nova estratègia per a desenvolupar un model matemàtic per a bombes que funcionen com a turbines (PATs), considerant les lleis d'afinitat modificades; (iii) Executar el modelatge numèric a través del paquet de codi lliure OpenFOAM d'una bomba que treballa com a turbina i , (iv)Validar els resultats , tant de l'aplicació de les noves expressions i del modelatge numèric, a través de la comparació amb resultats experimentals obtinguts dels assajos realitzats a una PATs. En l'Articule 1 , que correspon a la Fase de Contextualització, es va realitzar una investigació en la literatura tècnica sobre PATs: Característiques, aplicacions i diferents estratègies utilitzades per a comprendre el comportament del flux. Dins d'aquestes estratègies, es troba la simulació numèrica del fenomen amb paquets CFD (Dinàmica Fluid Computacional). Es van analitzar 56 casos on s'estudien diferents tipus de màquines: axials, mixtes i radials sota operació amb velocitat de gir fixa i velocitat de gir variable. En funció d'aquesta informació es va calcular l'error entre el modelatge numèric i els resultats experimentals; i es van verificar les principals característiques. dels modelatges com ara paquet CFD utilitzat, models de tancament,tipus d'emmallat, etc. En l'Article 2, que correspon a la primera part de la Fase del Procediment Analític, es va proposar una anàlisi amb deu expressions generals (polinòmiques i exponencials), considerant les variables més significatives. En funció d'aquesta anàlisi es van obtindre noves expressions per a obtindre les corbes característiques de les PATs. Aquestes expressions es van verificar i van comparar amb 15 màquines diferents, que es van provar variant la seua velocitat de rotació i la seua velocitat específica. En la segona part de la Fase del Procediment Analític, es va realitzar una simulació numèrica amb el paquet CFD OpenFOAM d'una PATs que ha sigut assajada en l'institut CERIS de Portugal. Per mitjà dels resultats experimentals es va aconseguir validar tant les noves expressions proposades en l'Article 2 així com el modelatge numèric. En l'Article 3 es presenta el desenvolupament d'aquesta metodologia. / [EN] The availability of water resources worldwide has decreased significantly. Among the main agents that have caused this situation are climate change, environmental pollution, human activities, and failures in hydraulic structures, among others. It is becoming increasingly difficult to access appropriate sources that meet the quality and quantity of the resource. Despite this, water loss due to leaks in pressurized distribution systems still manages considerable values, with significant losses worldwide. Considering that the need for water is increasing, sustainable projects should be implemented to optimize the availability and use of the resource to the maximum. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a methodological proposal that allows estimating the characteristic curves of pumps that work as turbines (PATs) from the specific number of the machine and, depending on the rotation speed, developing the modified laws of similarity. The fulfillment of the objectives of this thesis is through the elaboration of three published articles, which allowed: (i) To carry out the contextualization regarding the state of the art in PATs with emphasis on the methodologies of obtaining the prediction of the behavior in them such as the realization of numerical models with CFDs; (ii) To propose a new strategy to develop a mathematical model for pumps that work as turbines (PATs), considering the modified affinity laws; (iii) To execute the numerical modeling through the OpenFOAM free code package of a pump that works as a turbine and, (iv) Validate the results, both of the application of the new expressions and the numerical modeling, through the comparison with experimental results obtained from the tests carried out to a PATs. In Article 1, corresponding to the Contextualization Phase, an investigation was carried out in the technical literature on PATs: Characteristics, applications, and different strategies used to understand the flow behavior. The numerical simulation of the phenomenon with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) packages is found within these strategies. 56 cases were analyzed where different types of machines were studied: axial, mixed, and radial under operation with fixed rotational speed and variable rotational speed. Based on this information, the error between the numerical modeling and the experimental results was calculated; and the main characteristics of the modeling were verified, such as the CFD package used, closure models, type of meshing, etc. In Article 2, which corresponds to the first part of the Phase of the Analytical Procedure, an analysis was proposed with ten general expressions (polynomial and exponential), considering the most significant variables. Based on this analysis, new expressions were obtained to obtain the characteristic curves of the PATs. These expressions were verified and compared with 15 different machines, which were tested by varying their rotation and specific speeds. In the second part of the Analytical Procedure Phase, a numerical simulation was performed with the OpenFOAM CFD package of a PATs that has been tested at the CERIS Institute in Portugal. The experimental results made it possible to validate both the new expressions proposed in Article 2 and the numerical modeling. The development of this methodology is presented in Article 3. / Plua Aguirre, FA. (2024). Metodología de análisis para la mejora de la predicción de las curvas características de bombas trabajando como turbina operando a velocidad variable [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/203125 / Compendio

The horizontal twin-roll casting (TRC) process is an energy saving and cost-efficient method for producing near-net-shape sheets of castable metals for light-weight production. In order to investigate the TRC process numerically, a code is generated in OpenFOAM and the commercial software STAR-CCM+ is used. Both are validated with the Stefan problem, the gallium melting test case, and a continuous casting experiment for magnesium AZ31. Different solidification models are tested that are similar to solution domain definitions and solid-fraction temperature relations. The comparison with temperature measurements of the MgF GmbH Freiberg pilot plant and the final microstructure exhibits good correlation. Sensitivity studies are carried out for thermophysical properties of AZ31 as well as pilot plant parameters. Furthermore, the rolls are incorporated into the simulation to determine the effect of a location-dependent heat-transfer coefficient. Finally, the results are compared to a second pilot plant situated at the Helmholtz-Centre Geesthacht in order to explore differences and similarities. / Das horizontales Gießwalzen ist eine energiesparende und kostengünstige Methode zur Erzeugung von Flachprodukten, die im Leichtbau verwendet werden. Um dieses Verfahren numerisch zu untersuchen wurde ein Programmcode in OpenFOAM entwickelt und die kommerzielle Software STAR-CCM+ verwendet, wobei beide mit dem Stefan Problem, dem Schmelzen von Gallium und Messdaten des Stranggusses von Magnesium AZ31 validiert wurden. Verschiedene Erstarrungsmodelle werden ebenso getestet wie Variationen des Simulationsbereiches und Feststoff-Temperatur-Verläufe. Vergleiche mit Temperaturmessdaten der Pilotanlage MgF GmbH Freiberg und der finalen Mikrostruktur zeigen gute Übereinstimmungen. Sensitivitätsanalysen werden durchgeführt, um die Einflüsse von thermophysikalischen Eigenschaften und Anlagenparametern abzuschätzen. Des Weiteren werden die Walzen in die Simulation mit einbezogen, um den Effekt eines lokal veränderlichen Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten zu beurteilen. Schließlich werden die Ergebnisse mit denen einer zweiten Pilotanlage am Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht verglichen. / Le laminage de coulée continue horizontal possède une faible consommation d’énergie et est bon marché pour la production des feuilles de métaux coulables utilisés dans la construction légère. Afin d’examiner ce processus numériquement, un code est généré dans OpenFOAM et le logiciel commercial STAR-CCM+ est utilisé, tous les deux sont validés en utilisant le problème de Stefan, la fusion du gallium et la coulée continue verticale de magnésium AZ31. Plusieurs modèles de solidification sont testés, ainsi que la variation du domaine de simulation, et des rélations entre la teneur en matière solide et la température. Des comparaisons avec des résultats de mesures de la température à l’installation pilote de MgF GmbH Freiberg ainsi que la microstructure donnent des bons résultats. Des analyses de sensibilité sont effectuées afin d’évaluer l’influence des propriétés thermophysiques et des paramètres de l’installation. De plus, les cylindres sont intégrés dans la simulation pour estimer l’impact du coefficient de transfert de chaleur dépendant du lieu. Finalement, les résultats sont comparés avec ceux du Helmholtz-Centre Geesthacht.

The horizontal twin-roll casting (TRC) process is an energy saving and cost-efficient method for producing near-net-shape sheets of castable metals for light-weight production. In order to investigate the TRC process numerically, a code is generated in OpenFOAM and the commercial software STAR-CCM+ is used. Both are validated with the Stefan problem, the gallium melting test case, and a continuous casting experiment for magnesium AZ31. Different solidification models are tested that are similar to solution domain definitions and solid-fraction temperature relations. The comparison with temperature measurements of the MgF GmbH Freiberg pilot plant and the final microstructure exhibits good correlation. Sensitivity studies are carried out for thermophysical properties of AZ31 as well as pilot plant parameters. Furthermore, the rolls are incorporated into the simulation to determine the effect of a location-dependent heat-transfer coefficient. Finally, the results are compared to a second pilot plant situated at the Helmholtz-Centre Geesthacht in order to explore differences and similarities. / Das horizontales Gießwalzen ist eine energiesparende und kostengünstige Methode zur Erzeugung von Flachprodukten, die im Leichtbau verwendet werden. Um dieses Verfahren numerisch zu untersuchen wurde ein Programmcode in OpenFOAM entwickelt und die kommerzielle Software STAR-CCM+ verwendet, wobei beide mit dem Stefan Problem, dem Schmelzen von Gallium und Messdaten des Stranggusses von Magnesium AZ31 validiert wurden. Verschiedene Erstarrungsmodelle werden ebenso getestet wie Variationen des Simulationsbereiches und Feststoff-Temperatur-Verläufe. Vergleiche mit Temperaturmessdaten der Pilotanlage MgF GmbH Freiberg und der finalen Mikrostruktur zeigen gute Übereinstimmungen. Sensitivitätsanalysen werden durchgeführt, um die Einflüsse von thermophysikalischen Eigenschaften und Anlagenparametern abzuschätzen. Des Weiteren werden die Walzen in die Simulation mit einbezogen, um den Effekt eines lokal veränderlichen Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten zu beurteilen. Schließlich werden die Ergebnisse mit denen einer zweiten Pilotanlage am Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht verglichen. / Le laminage de coulée continue horizontal possède une faible consommation d’énergie et est bon marché pour la production des feuilles de métaux coulables utilisés dans la construction légère. Afin d’examiner ce processus numériquement, un code est généré dans OpenFOAM et le logiciel commercial STAR-CCM+ est utilisé, tous les deux sont validés en utilisant le problème de Stefan, la fusion du gallium et la coulée continue verticale de magnésium AZ31. Plusieurs modèles de solidification sont testés, ainsi que la variation du domaine de simulation, et des rélations entre la teneur en matière solide et la température. Des comparaisons avec des résultats de mesures de la température à l’installation pilote de MgF GmbH Freiberg ainsi que la microstructure donnent des bons résultats. Des analyses de sensibilité sont effectuées afin d’évaluer l’influence des propriétés thermophysiques et des paramètres de l’installation. De plus, les cylindres sont intégrés dans la simulation pour estimer l’impact du coefficient de transfert de chaleur dépendant du lieu. Finalement, les résultats sont comparés avec ceux du Helmholtz-Centre Geesthacht.

Detta examensarbete undersöker möjligheten att tillämpa tidiga och ej så beräkningstunga CFD-simuleringar (’Computational Fluid Dynamics’) för optimering av gasväxlingskomponenter tidigt i produktutvecklingsprocessen. Examensarbetet har innefattat framtagande av generellt applicerbara inställningar och riktlinjer vid modellering av gasväxlingskomponenter med programvaran OpenFOAM, optimerade för att nyttja så låg beräkningskraft som möjligt men fortfarande erhålla tillräckligt noggranna och pålitliga resultat. Rapporten ger en teoretiskt genomlysning med motivering av simuleringsrelaterade val i OpenFOAM i syfte att validera och efter behov justera de inställningar och parameterval ansatta i det befintliga Excel skriptet – framtaget av avdelningen med ansvar för avgasefterbehandlingssystem – som automatiserar uppställningen av OpenFOAM:s simuleringsrelaterade filstruktur. Detta i syfte att erhålla och säkerställa pålitliga resultat vid användning av skriptet anpassat för simulering av gasväxlingskomponenter. Rapporten redovisar även bakomliggande analyser för olika inställningar och val i OpenFOAM i syfte att tjäna som välgrundade riktlinjer genom hela CFD-processen; såsom för skapande av geometriska modeller, generering av volymsnät, åtgärder för att säkerställa konvergens samt uppställning och tolkning av resultatet. En av examensarbetets leveranser är en metodbeskrivning utformad med praktiska riktlinjer för genomförandet av hela CFD-processen med avsedda programvaror samt med tillhörande praxis avseende simuleringsrelaterade val genom processen. Ett antal genomförda fallstudier i examensarbetet visar att OpenFOAM har potential att utföra initiala och indikativa simuleringar för att mer tidseffektivt möjliggöra en bredare idégenerering i konceptutvecklingsfasen. / This thesis investigates the possibility of applying early and not so computational heavy simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for optimization of gas exchange components early in the product development process. The scope of the thesis includes the development of generally applicable settings and guidelines – documented in a methodology – when modelling gas exchange components with the software OpenFOAM, optimized to use as low computational power as possible but still obtaining sufficiently accurate and reliable data. The report consists of a theoretical study and motives for simulation-related choices in OpenFOAM in order to adjust and validate the settings and parameter choices applied in the existing Excel script – developed by the department responsible for exhaust aftertreatment systems – that automates the set-up of OpenFOAM's simulation-related file structure. This in order to obtain and ensure reliable results using the script adapted to the environment for gas exchange components. The report also presents underlying analyses for different settings and choices in order to serve as well-founded guidelines throughout the CFD-process; such as the creation of geometric models, the generation of mesh, measures to ensure convergence, and the set-up and interpretation of the results. One of the deliverables of the thesis is a method description designed with practical guidelines for the entire CFD-process with intended software’s and with associated best practices in regards of simulation-related choices throughout the process. A number of case studies – that has been simulated in this thesis – show that OpenFOAM has the potential to perform initial and indicative simulations enabling a more time-efficiently and broader ideation in the concept development phase.