Tying Two Forces

This article focuses on software upgrades that have made analyzing for fluid and structural interaction easier and more common than in the past but not much quicker. So common is fluid-structure analysis today that many finite element analysis packages offer ways for an engineer to model both the structural and fluid forces that affect a design. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis lets mechanical engineers study how fluid flow around or through a part or assembly can affect performance. To make sure the fan effectively cools electronic parts, the engineer must look at how fan design affects airflow through the computer. Because FSI solutions are so computer intensive, hardware costs play a role in making FSI more manageable; and hardware costs have been coming down in the past 5 years, a computer that now costs $1,000 would have nm about $10,000 only five years ago.