For over 10 years, we have been combining project work and software development for numerical simulations. Examples of our work in the following areas can be found below:
Custom-made Calculation software
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InsightCAE – Examples
Tutorials
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Our Services
InsightCAE We implement automated calculation workflows according to your wishes and specifications. We can easily provide and maintain these as add-on modules for InsightCAE. Here are some examples of apps we have developed for our customers:
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InsightCAE – Documentation
The documentation is here: InsightCAE Manual. The sources of the LaTeX document can be found on Github: InsightCAE Manual (PDF). Installation The installation is described in the InsightCAE Manual in the section “Obtaining InsightCAE.”.
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InsightCAE – The Idea
To use open-source software productively and efficiently for daily tasks, the automation framework InsightCAE by silentdynamics is provided. InsightCAE serves as a framework for the automated execution of analysis procedures. The goal is to provide interfaces to all tools and simulation programs required for a specific calculation task. Our additional service: individual open-source projects.
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InsightCAE Case Builder for Thermal Simulations
Preparation and case setup for thermal simulation with open-source software such as OpenFOAM, Elmer, etc. Our software InsightCAE enables fast and automated pre- and post-processing for robust heat spread simulation. Installation of InsightCAE software including OpenFOAM on Windows and Linux machines, implementation of software add-ons, provision of computing resources (HPC), and support ensure fast and reliable
Maritime Hydrodynamics
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Virtual Towing Tank - Calculate Ship Resistance Digitally
Traditional towing tests in physical model basins are costly and time-consuming. Our virtual towing tank, based on InsightCAE and OpenFOAM, enables precise ship resistance simulations – faster, more cost-effective, and fully reproducible. And the best part: you don't have to deal with the simulation software yourself – we can perform the simulations entirely on your behalf if you wish. What is a virtual
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Behavior in the Open Sea: Methods, Tools, and Key Performance Indicators
Seakeeping analysis is a central element of ship design and forms the basis for evaluating the behavior of ships and floating structures in real sea conditions. It provides crucial information for safety assessment and operational planning. What is seakeeping analysis and why is it important? Seakeeping refers to the dynamic forces generated by wind, waves, and currents, to which
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High Speed Planing Craft
VOF Simulation of High-Speed Planing Craft: Challenges and Solutions Numerical fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of high-speed marine vessels—especially planing craft and planing yachts—poses significant challenges even for experienced engineering firms. The widely used Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) method, in particular, exhibits specific numerical weaknesses at high Froude numbers and planing speeds, which can lead to unreliable or even unusable simulation results without targeted countermeasures. We have developed specialized methods
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Ship resistance
Ship Resistance Calculation with Open-Source CFD: The InsightCAE Framework Hydrodynamic optimization of ships is one of the central challenges in modern shipbuilding. Low ship resistance reduces fuel consumption, lowers CO₂ emissions, and improves the overall operational economy. At the same time, the precise calculation of ship resistance traditionally requires deep expert knowledge in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as well as costly commercial software licenses. With
Turbomachinery and Propellers
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CFD Analysis and Design of Turbomachinery with Open-Source Software
Turbomachinery – from centrifugal pumps and compressors to turbines and fans – is the backbone of modern industrial and energy facilities. Their design and optimization require a deep understanding of fluid mechanics and precise numerical tools. We combine both: sound engineering expertise with state-of-the-art CFD technology based on completely free software. Performance analysis and design of turbomachinery with CFD We perform fundamental
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Fluid-Structure Coupling for Composite Propellers: CFD with OpenFOAM and Code_Aster
Modern composite ship and flow propellers offer significant advantages over traditional metal propellers – lower weight, improved cavitation characteristics, and the possibility of passive pitch adjustment through targeted anisotropy. However, their flexibility presents particular challenges for design: the aerodynamic or hydrodynamic performance can only be correctly assessed if the structural deformation under operating load is included in the simulation.
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Cavitation Simulation in Turbomachinery: CFD Prediction with OpenFOAM
Cavitation is one of the most critical and costly phenomena in turbomachinery with fluid flow. It limits the operating range, reduces efficiency, causes noise and vibrations – and in the worst case, can lead to irreversible material damage within a short time. CFD-based cavitation simulation is currently the most reliable tool for effectively addressing this phenomenon as early as the design phase.
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Propulsion Analysis and Thrust Performance Prediction with Open-Source Software
After determining a propeller open water curve with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) or another calculation method, further analysis – in particular, a propulsion analysis – is required to reliably predict the propulsive power for a specific ship. We have developed specialized analysis software solutions that enable seamless integration into the ship design process, relying exclusively on open-source software. From the
Thermodynamics
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InsightCAE Case Builder for Thermal Simulations
Preparation and case setup for thermal simulation with open-source software such as OpenFOAM, Elmer, etc. Our software InsightCAE enables fast and automated pre- and post-processing for robust heat spread simulation. Installation of InsightCAE software including OpenFOAM on Windows and Linux machines, implementation of software add-ons, provision of computing resources (HPC), and support ensure fast and reliable
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Water bodies as energy reservoirs - heat pumps, cooling water, and thermal simulation
Natural bodies of water offer enormous potential as an energy reservoir for modern heat pump systems. The targeted use of surface waters, lakes, and rivers for heat extraction and discharge opens up sustainable alternatives to conventional heating solutions – however, it requires precise hydraulic and thermal planning to meet ecological and regulatory requirements. Discharging cooling water from a heat pump into a body of water For heat pump systems that use natural water
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CFD Simulation of Airbag Gas Generators – Compressible Flows and Shock Waves
The gas generator is the safety-critical core of every airbag system. Within milliseconds, it must supply a defined amount of gas at precisely controlled pressure and temperature – reliably, reproducibly, and under extreme conditions. The fluid dynamics processes involved – compression shocks, expansion waves, heat transfer, and real gas behavior – are highly dynamic and hardly fully measurable. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is
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CFD Simulation of Solar Collectors – Thermal Design and Flow Optimization
The efficiency of a solar collector depends on a variety of interacting physical influences – solar radiation, ambient temperature, wind speed, collector geometry, flow guidance, and heat transfer to the carrier medium. A purely experimental design is costly and time-consuming and only provides punctual insights. In contrast, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation enables a complete, spatially resolved analysis of the thermal and fluid mechanical behavior –
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Building Climate Control – Simulation of Temperature Distribution and Air Circulation
Numerical simulation of temperature distribution and climate control enables precise, data-driven planning of rooms and halls – even before the first shovel hits the ground or the next renovation. Using modern CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methods, thermal weak points can be identified early and remedied effectively. What can thermal building simulation achieve? Our simulation solutions cover the entire spectrum of thermal and
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Simulation of inductive heating – Elmer and OpenFOAM
Inductive heating is an established and highly efficient process in modern manufacturing and process engineering. Whether for hardening, brazing, shrinking, or targeted heat treatment – the contactless, fast, and locally precise application of heat makes induction heating the method of choice in numerous industries. However, the underlying physical interactions between the electromagnetic field, induced current, and resulting heat distribution are complex.
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Coupled Heat Transfer – Conjugate Heat Transfer
In some simulation problems, not only heat transfer within the fluid itself is important, but also heat transfer in the adjacent solid. In such cases, a coupled simulation of heat propagation between the solid and the fluid (CHT – Conjugate Heat Transfer) must be performed. We are proficient in such simulations using our open-source tools, such as OpenFOAM. For rapid optimization of heating and cooling performance via
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Heat transfer
Stationary and transient 3D simulation of heat propagation in complex components made of different materials. Cooling and heating of components to determine critical heat flows, required cooling loads or e.g. avoidance of thermal stresses. Optimization of component geometries through automated geometry creation and simulation processes.
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Dispersion of gases in the environment
CFD Simulation of Gas Dispersion in Accident Scenarios - Safety Analysis for Light and Heavy Gases In industrial plants, chemical facilities, energy supply infrastructures, and safety-critical installations, the uncontrolled release of gases in accident scenarios poses a significant risk to people, the environment, and assets. The precise prediction of gas dispersion is therefore an essential component of modern safety analyses, risk assessments, and emergency planning. Simulation-based accident analysis with
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Cooling of electronic components
Thermal Simulation and Thermal Management in Electronics and Lighting Development In modern development processes, thermal management is a central challenge – especially with high-performance components such as electronic assemblies, power electronics, and LED light sources. Using 3D CFD simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and FEM-based thermal analysis (Finite Element Method), precise thermal analysis is performed for cooling various components, including electronics, light sources, and embedded systems. Heat transfer mechanisms
Hydrology
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See
Thermal Flow Simulation for Spatial Energy Planning with Seawater Lakes and other surface waters represent an enormous natural energy storage system that can be utilized both ecologically and economically efficiently. Through the use of seawater heat pumps, this stored thermal energy can be tapped for the heating and cooling supply of buildings, thus significantly contributing to the decarbonization of municipal
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Harbor basin
As part of an innovative energy concept, a harbor basin is being used as a natural heat source and sink for the cooling and heating operations of surrounding office buildings. Surface waters such as harbor basins, lakes, and rivers are ideally suited as a basis for water-based heat pump systems due to their thermal storage capacity and can achieve significant energy savings compared to conventional air conditioning systems. To assess the thermal impact on
Strength and Structure
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FEA Simulation of Adhesive Bonds – Precise Stress Analysis for Secure Joining Technology
Adhesive bonds are playing an increasingly important role in modern constructions, from aerospace and automotive engineering to wind turbines and general mechanical engineering. In contrast to form-fitting connections such as screws or rivets, adhesive bonds transfer loads over an area, reduce notch effects, and enable the joining of various materials. This makes a reliable computational assessment all the more important –
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FEM Simulation with Code_Aster – Over 10 Years of Experience in Structural Analysis
Code_Aster is one of the most powerful and demanding open-source finite element codes worldwide, developed and continuously maintained by the French energy company EDF. With a range of functionalities that surpasses many commercial FEM programs, Code_Aster is particularly well-suited for complex structural, thermal, and coupled analyses in industrial and scientific environments. We have over 10 years of practical experience in professional use.
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Fluid-Structure Coupling for Composite Propellers: CFD with OpenFOAM and Code_Aster
Modern composite ship and flow propellers offer significant advantages over traditional metal propellers – lower weight, improved cavitation characteristics, and the possibility of passive pitch adjustment through targeted anisotropy. However, their flexibility presents particular challenges for design: the aerodynamic or hydrodynamic performance can only be correctly assessed if the structural deformation under operating load is included in the simulation.