Dear Desktop Engineering Reader: True story: Many years ago, my colleagues and I had the chance to play with a prototype of the first model of a computer whose name-brand is world famous today. Called into an article review meeting, we left the thing idling over in a corner of our review lab. Suddenly, that acrid odor of electronics burning filled the air. The poor thing, it melted, Mr. Kutz. We thought it hilarious. Good thing it didn't burn up somebody's den, however. Lesson: Managing heat in a box of electronics can humble even the best engineer teams. Thankfully, it's easier to manage the effects of heat generated by chips, printed circuit boards, power amplifiers, and stuff than it was in 1983 because of tools like upfront simulation with CFdesign from Blue Ridge Numerics. CFdesign enables you to conduct design investigations that simulate an electronics system’s thermal performance by incorporating all the critical parts that generate heat as well as components that help you design in heat management like fans, shields, vents, and enclosures. And "design in" is where CFdesign shines because it works with all the major CAD systems -- such as CATIA, CoCreate, Inventor, NX, Pro/ENGINEER, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and SpaceClaim. You can have it work on designs as soon as you are ready to run something by it – no burning up and measuring physical prototypes every step of the way. This means that you can use CFdesign as the hub for conducting multi-scenario design studies from the concept stage on up through at any point in your development process. Today's Check It Out video entitled “Methods for Managing Thermal Challenges in Electronics Enclosures” shows you how leveraging CFdesign can improve system thermal performance. Below the video you'll also find links to four short case studies demonstrating how a diverse set manufacturers used CFdesign upfront CFD software to reduce product development time, find and repair stubborn thermal problems, and make more robust electronic devices. It's no secret that physical testing of multiple designs burns both time and money. And, truth be told, where there is a prototype going up in smoke, there's an engineering team enjoying the disaster immensely. But more robust and safe electronic products are what your consumers demand. CFdesign can help you achieve those goals. Check out today's Check It Video from the link over there and see what's in CFdesign for you. Four and a half minutes of your time well spent. Thanks, Pal. -- Lockwood Anthony J. Lockwood
Editor at Large, Desktop Engineering Check out today's Check It Video.
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