CAD/CAM ( see also Machining)

CAD/CAM is an acronym for computer-automated design and computer-automated machining. CAM is generally conducted in conjunction with computer numerical control (CNC) for metal-working processes such as blade-tip robotic welding, CNC tig welding, and CNC lathing, milling, and/or machining. All these numerical and computational methods contribute to a field that is now a science in its own right. See Metallurgy for information on blade-tip robotic welding, an example of a CNC CA (in this case welding) process.

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) ^[*]

CAD is frequently used in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) where air- or gasflow is involved. For illustrative purposes, some literature on CFD, as a component of CAD, follows.

CFD can be used for analyzing, for instance

• Fluid handling

• Measurement and controls

• Heat and mass transfer

• Filtration

• Distillation

• Mixing

• Separation

• Fluidization

• Sedimentation

• Reaction

• Polymerization

• Drying

• Forming

• Ventilation

• Emission control

• Incineration

• Combustion

• Materials processing

Figures C-1 through C-11 are modeling representations of eight individual case studies.

Figure C-1: Streamlines depict the flow of regenerated catalyst through a slide valve, revealing the source of erosion problems. Courtesy of REMOSA. (Source: Fluent Inc.)

Figure C-2: Instantaneous solids concentration in a riser, showing how a baffle plate can be used to distribute flow and produce uniform delivery of catalyst to the reactor. (Source: Fluent Inc.)

Figure C-3: Prediction of exhaust plume trajectories can provide quantitative information about downstream impacts. (Source: Fluent Inc.)

Figure C-4: Prediction of extrudate shape. Inverse die design capability allows determination of...