Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Do you want to know how a fluid passes through a turbine? How well two fluids will mix in a tank over a given timeframe? How aerodynamic your design is? The flow direction of a hot fluid in a cold fluid? Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can help you answer these questions and more.
What is CFD?
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of Fluid mechanics which uses computer software to solve fluid dynamics (the study of the effect of forces on fluid motion) problems. It has grown from an academia-based research method requiring substantial computing resources, into a highly adaptive and accessible computer aided engineering and design tool. The development of faster, more powerful computers and advanced software has made CFD faster, simpler to use, more accurate, and more affordable for a large range of design situations.
CFD can be fully integrated into the design process – the same 3D CAD models built for prototype construction and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can be imported into the CFD software for accurate computer analysis at an early stage of development.
CFD can provide an invaluable data during the design phase. By creating 2D or 3D images and data for analysis, CFD can enable a concept to be developed through to prototype stage with speed and efficiency while minimising the time and expense required for experimental testing. CFD can also be effectively used to simulate flows in situations where experimental testing would not be possible – e.g. after an event or when a prototype would be overly large, complex or expensive.
The applications for CFD are varied– from renewable energy devices, industrial and mining machines to race car aerodynamics. Any machine or object experiencing fluid flows can be modelled. E3K utilises the software ANSYS CFX and Simscale to produce accurate models of fluid behaviour for a vast range of flow problems. The software allows engineers to study diverse flow situations including free surface flows, acoustics, combustion behaviour, fluid mixing and turbo machinery.
Not only is CFD a cost-effective method of simulation, it also creates powerful visual representations of the flow of a naturally invisible fluid. By creating a 3D CAD model of the object, CFD analysis can enable the object to be transported straight through to prototype stage with speed and efficiency, without the lengthy testing costs and development time for experiments.
E3K and CFD
The award winning team at E3K have Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) specialists with experience using CFD as part of the engineering design process. E3K can efficiently evaluate your design using professional CFD software. The experienced professional engineers at E3K have a proven track record of delivering top quality results for clients, saving time and development costs for them.
E3K not only perform analysis for clients, but have the skill and expertise to interpret the results and optimise designs based on criteria such as flow velocities, turbulence, drag, ventilation, and lift.
E3K Computational Fluid Dynamics Services:
- CFD can be used to simulate how quickly and how effectively two or more fluids mix together to form one homogeneous solution.
- E3K engineers can use the CFD data to determine appropriate mixing durations or alternative inlet locations to improve mixing of the fluids.
- CFD can be used to determine how efficient a turbine angle of attack is.
- E3K Engineers can use this information to improve turbine performance and efficiency.
- CFD can be used to determine how the air in an enclosed space will behave given occupancy rates. Simulations to determine how much ventilation is required to keep an area temperate can be conducted.
- E3K determine the temperature, air flow, and humidity in an area. With this information E3K engineers can propose modifications to the enclosure design to ensure appropriate levels of ventilation.
- CFD can be used to simulate the travel path of smoke from a fire.
- E3K Engineers can use the results to locate the ignition location and verify police or fire reports.
- CFD can be used to simulate the aerodynamic performance or a car, plane, boat, or any other vehicle.
- E3K engineers can determine the amount of drag, turbulence, and lift created by a vehicle.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Projects
Aquanator
E3K was engaged to analyse and design a novel, tidal energy device. E3K used CFD to understand how the energy device interacted with the tidal stream. Our analysis consisted of internal velocity augmentation and determination of output torque from the axial rotor blades.
Novel Tidal Energy Generator
Building Fire Modeling
A CFD study was undertaken on a building fire within an accommodation complex. Results from the study were integrated into the police
investigation enabling determination of cause and qualification of the overall building hazard. The same simulation technology has since been
successfully validated by E3K against experimental data in a full-scale mock building burn.
Aquatic Centre Ventilation
E3K was engaged to determine whether the renovations to an aquatic centre were going to improve the ventilation. E3K was able to determine that the proposed modifications would improve ventilation in and improve comfort of the building patrons.
First Floor Smoke
E3K performed a CFD simulations to assess and validate the performance of a mechanical smoke ventilation system and HVAC for a shopping centre. E3K was able to verify the impact of mechanical smoke ventilation system on the temperature and visibility levels during egress for the shoppers during a specified fire event. E3K was also able to ascertain the thermal comfort of the shoppers when the HVAC system was under normal operation.
Steam Turbine Power Output
E3K was engaged to analyse the fluid – turbine interaction and provide an estimate on the power transfer from steam to the turbine. Using CFD E3K was able to identify the average power outlet and potential areas for improvement on the overall design.
Pool
E3K was engaged to determine the rate at which new water and old water would mix in a 50m pool. E3K was able to determine hte rate of mixing given the number of inflows into the pool.
Anaerobic Digester Mixing
E3K was engaged to find the steady state operational condition of an Anaerobic Digester. The Anaerobic Digester mixes multiple fluids. E3K was able to predict the steady state average velocity and pump back pressure for the Digestor.
More Examples of CFD Performed by E3K
- Assessment of the airflow over new subway trains in Delhi, India, and temperature modelling on station platforms.
- Modelling of the airflow arising from natural convection from equipment in a large mineral process plant.
- Modelling air flow about a grinder used for mineral preparation and milling to fine powders (particle tracking).
- Determination of grass particle trajectories beneath a lawn mower deck and acoustic optimisation.
- Modelling of cavitation within a hydraulic oil reservoir.
- Modelling of a prime mover cab spoiler to quantify drag reduction.
- Modelling of ventilation systems for livestock transport (heat transfer and humidity).
- Aerodynamic properties (lift, drag, moments, centre of pressure) of an autorotating wing.
- Design of a steam nozzle.