CFD vs Wind Tunnel: Which One Should I Use?

At 42 CFD Lab, we recognise that CFD simulation and WT testing are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. CFD offers unparalleled rapidity and complete, full-field insight into complex flow physics, making it the indispensable tool for early design exploration and iterative optimisation. Conversely, wind tunnel (WT) testing delivers the physical fidelity required for final validation and certification. The most effective and rigorous aerodynamic workflow harnesses the strengths of both: explore and refine digitally with CFD, then anchor those findings to physical reality through targeted experimental validation. This integrated approach maximises efficiency, accuracy, and confidence, and delivers superior results that neither tool could achieve alone.