Computational fluid dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics‎ that uses numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows.

Quotes

 * Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques are used to simulate a number of phenomena. Obviously, crashing waves and oceans can leverage CFD, but explosions, fireballs, and smoke effects all make use of CFD nowadays as well.
 * A. McAdams, S. Osher and J. Teran, “Crashing Waves, Awesome Explosions, Turbulent Smoke and Beyond: Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing in the Visual Effects Industry.”, Notices of the AMS, 2010; 57 (5): 614-623.
 * CFD merely provides tools for solving the equations of fluid motion; it does not change the conceptual landscape in any fundamental way. Still, it is so powerful that it has become indispensable to the practice of aeronautical engineering.