Fluid simulation

Simulates the highly complex and dynamic nature of flows in fluid volumes using computationally-efficient implementations of the Navier-Stokes equations. Can be thought of as a 2D or 3D flow field that is constantly changing based on the velocity, viscocity, and density of the fluid at each point in space and its surrounding area. This flow field is made visible through the use of digital "dyes" (usually particles) that get distributed, diffused, sheared, and blended through the system by the flow forces.

To appear realistic it is necessary for these simulations to have high fidelity, which introduces significant computational challenges, especially if one wants to run the simulation in real-time. Luckily, there are several great code packages available, and many VFX, CAD, and game development tools like Blender, Houdini, Unity and Unreal include robust fluid simulation functionality built in or available through plugins.

Fluid simulation has many practical and visual applications across a variety of disciplines. Its used in the analysis of aerodynamic properties of objects, vehicles, and buildings, in weather simulation and prediction, engine and combustion analysis, industrial systems design and analysis (plumbing, HVAC, public utilities, etc), visual effects for TV, movies, and games, and more.

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