Numerical simulations are essential tools in the field of acoustics and provide solutions for the calculation of sound generation, its propagation and therefore the optimization or even prevention of noise emissions. Two fundamental disciplines of acoustics, which characterize the nature of noise generation, are aeroacoustics and vibro-acoustics. While aeroacoustics regard noise which is caused by turbulent flows or aerodynamic forces in surface interaction, vibro-acoustics comprises noise caused by structural vibrations. The numerical simulation is conducted with a conventional CFD approach complemented by FEM (Finite Element Method) and resulting in sound pressure levels and frequencies at a defined receptor position.

Microfluidics describe the behavior of fluids at a very small scale at which surface forces like capillarity and intermolecular forces dominate volumetric forces. It represents a field with an enormous potential and prospective relevance. While some applications can already be found in industrial use, the topic is still a matter of intense research and product development. Possible applications regard molecular diagnostics, lab-on-a-chip solutions, food industry, pharmaceutical testing and biosensor technology in general. The precise control of small scale fluid flows creates completely new possibilities for developments in such fields. In this sense, especially CFD simulations gain importance by enabling the numerical modeling of viscosity effects, surface tension or advection and diffusion effects. Hereby, the need for costly experiments and time consuming trial & error loops can be overcome.