Computational-fluid-dynamic (CFD) analysis uses numerical algorithms to analyze and model the flow of air around data center hardware surfaces such as servers and storage systems. These simulations provide point-in-time data on the flow, speed, direction and temperature of the air. With this information, data center and facilities managers are able to determine the efficiency of air-handling cooling units to remove heat and determine the optimal layout of hardware and perforated floor tile placement in a data center.