Simulations

In addition to the experimental investigation of scientific phenomena, numerical simulation is nowadays an important tool for elucidating certain issues. At Fraunhofer ISE, such simulations are used in a wide variety of disciplines for research and development. On the one hand, simulation leads to a deeper understanding, especially when experimental measurements at the site of the event are not economically feasible. On the other hand, many optimizations which are very time-consuming and material-intensive in experiments can be implemented easily and quickly in the simulation.

At Fraunhofer ISE, we use, among other tools, the finite element method (FEM) to investigate fluid flows, heat transfer, chemical reactions, mechanical component stress and the interactions of various phenomena with each other. Here, the geometry to be investigated is first decomposed into a suitable mesh of finitely small elements and initial conditions are defined for each mesh element. By applying the basic physical equations and conservation laws, stationary equilibrium states or time courses of certain phenomena can then be calculated.

Due to a strong network of our simulation experts, Fraunhofer ISE has a unique competence in the field of FEM simulations for solving technological problems.