Computational fluid dynamics, usually abbreviated as
CFD, is a branch of
fluid mechanics that uses
numerical analysis and
algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve
fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate the interaction of liquids and gases with surfaces defined by
boundary conditions. With high-speed
supercomputers, better solutions can be achieved. Ongoing research yields software that improves the accuracy and speed of complex simulation scenarios such as
transonic or
turbulent flows. Initial experimental validation of such software is performed using a
wind tunnel with the final validation coming in full-scale testing, e.g.
flight tests.