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Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Analysis

CFD HousingComputational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Analysis aids Barber-Nichols, Inc. ( BNI ) in the designing and engineering of custom blowers, compressors, fans, pumps, and turbopumps. CFD Analysis enables BNI to streamline the designing and engineering process by helping engineers predict how gasses and liquids will behave as they move through complex component and systems. Barber-Nichols has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing custom turbomachinery since 1966 and in addition to its CFD expertise, extensive empirical data is used to ground CFD predictions.

BNI recently used Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis in two high profile development projects. First, CFD Analysis was used to evaluate cavitation potential in a rocket engine turbopump. The Liquid Oxygen (LOX) side of the pump called for a suction specific speed greater than 40,000. During the preliminary design phase, potential impeller blade configurations were evaluated based on surface-pressure distribution.

Second, BNI teamed with Lockheed Martin to work on an unmanned, lighter-than-air vehicle that will maintain a geostationary position at an altitude of 65,000 feet. The vehicle, knoTransonic Fanwn as a High Altitude Airship (HAA), is being built by Lockheed Martin and is being funded by the Missile Defense Agency. Specifically, Barber-Nichols designed and manufactured the transonic fans that control the vehicles internal pressure and cause it to descend. To operate properly at altitude, the fan blade's tips move in excess of 333 m/s (1,100 ft/s). As gas accelerates through the fan's converging and diverging blades, it reaches a relative supersonic speed. CFD Analysis drove the fan's blade design and the sonic barrier was crossed at a point that minimized shock losses.

BNI 's world-class engineering team can either help you with CFD Analysis on a contract basis or they can provide you with a complete equipment solution which includes the designing, engineering, manufacturing, and testing of a custom blower, compressor, fan, or pump.