Numerical simulation of spray painting in the automotive industry

The present contribution summarises ongoing investigations performed at the Fraunhofer IPA on the numerical simulation of spray painting in the automotive industry. Numerical models for electrostatically supported or pneumatic painting processes were implemented in FLUENT. These models account for all important effects involved in the relevant physical processes, being able to predict the film thickness distribution and the paint transfer efficiency on the work piece. Some tests on complicated targets have been carried out. The results confirm the applicability and reliability of the chosen models for the painting processes.