FoamLab services

We provide calculation and consultation services for singular cases and long term development projects. With customized software and crash courses we enhance your working process.

Technical calculations and consultation

Prototypes and measurements consume resources. Simulations allow the product to be examined without physical prototypes and provide more detail than measurements.

In a nutshell, flow simulation, also known as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), is virtual measurement. It provides a more complete picture of the flow and heat transfer phenomena of the entire calculation domain, as can be provided by singular measurement points in physical measurements.

Experiment-based optimization can be enhanced by using mathematical algorithms. In this case, it is possible to find the actual optimum of the complex product. Often, a better result is obtained by using multi-objective optimization, where several criteria (e.g. power and efficiency) are simultaneously improved. The end result is a number of compromise solutions (Pareto-optimal points), from which the decision-maker chooses the most appropriate one.

The main steps of the measurement process are planning, understanding the problem, validating the measurement devices and analysing the results. When performing measurements, special attention should be paid to detail and documentation. The surprising thing about many complex measurement projects is that once the data is obtained, the real work of figuring out exactly what was measured only begins. In many cases, the analysis requires a computational model sophisticated enough to include all the necessary physical phenomena on which singular measurement probes cannot provide information. Estimation of measurement error is also an integral part of the professional measurement and analysis process. 

FoamLab provides the following expert services

  • Fluid dynamics calculation (CFD and analytical)

  • Heat transfer calculations (numerical and analytical)

  • Combustion modeling

  • Mathematical optimization (single and multi-objective)

  • Consultancy of measurements

Customized software

We create customer-specific calculation softwares, e.g., for cases where commercial softwares do not allow product design as desired. The program interface can be graphical or Excel based.

With these softwares, you size and design your product quickly. You can also take advantage of the optimization module that will make your product the best possible. With the drawing module, you automatically draw a PDF or CAD image of your product.

For example, with customized automation software you can form an offer by just clicking the button. The automation module can also be incorporated into the calculation software.

FoamLab provides the following software services

  • Calculation and optimization with graphical user interface

  • Excel tools

  • Task automatization softwares

    • Generating custom PDF-documents

    • Generating CAD-models

    • Drawing figures

Crash courses

The fluid dynamics and heat transfer crash courses are suitable for designers and sales people. Crash courses are customized according to your wishes.

We save tens of thousands of euros annually by using open source softwares. However, the first steps with these softwares are more challenging than with commercial ones. We provide adequate guidance for you to start using these open source softwares professionally.

FoamLab provides the following crash courses

  • Fluid dynamics and heat transfer

  • Use of open source softwares:

    • OpenFOAM (CFD)

    • Elmer (FEM)

    • Python (programming language)

    • FreeCAD and Salome (CAD-softwares)

 

Main tools of FoamLab

We use open source softwares so we do not need to add software costs to billing rates.

OpenFOAM

Open source CFD solution library, which is versatile for modeling various flow situations.

Elmer

FEM-software, which is suitable for example for heat conduction and radiant heat transfer calculations.

Python

A versatile programming language that we use for analytic calculation and mathematical optimization. Most of our customized softwares are done by using Python.

FreeCAD, Salome, ParaView and Blender

Our main CAD tools are FreeCAD and Salome. For visualization of calculation results, we use ParaView and Blender.