A combined CFD and network approach for the simulation of flow systems

A novel approach combining the CFD with traditional flow network models is developed and demonstrated for two example problems. The network resistance factors (K values) are computed by CFD and fed as input to the network model. In the first problem of air distribution facility, the nodal pressures and loop flow rates are found for a given set of demands at the utility points. In the second problem, the minimum flow rates are estimated for allowable heat flux values of electronic components.