Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

CFD models how fluids move and carry heat: airflow through an electronics enclosure, a heat sink's performance, flow through a duct or manifold, pressure drop across a filter, or air distribution in a room. Teams use it to compare vent placements, fan choices and duct shapes on screen instead of in a series of prototypes.

Like FEA, it is only as good as its setup: geometry simplification, boundary conditions, the turbulence model and the heat loads fed into it. Small details such as cable bundles or a missing gasket can change real airflow substantially.