Computational Fluid Dynamics
Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Experimentation 

With faster processors and better numerical techniques, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools have revolutionized engineering design and optimization—limiting expensive experimentation and providing virtual solutions with short turnaround time. Today, CFD is used extensively to analyze applications as diverse as aircraft wing design and sportswear manufacturing.

Because the processes are complex and uncertain, CFD simulations may require experimental support for input data and validation. The Geosciences and Engineering Division (GED) at Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) has extensive experience and capabilities in CFD simulations of complex engineered and natural systems and experimentation. Results provide clients with optimized design solutions.

GED engineers have simulated flow across staggered cylinders encountered in heat exchangers and reactors. The figure shows the streamlines and vorticity surfaces in the domain.

Capabilities

Our integrated multidisciplinary approach uses code customization, analytical model development and applications, and experimental investigation to accurately and effectively solve complex fluid flow and heat transfer problems including:

• Conjugate heat and flow analysis with multimode heat transfer and phase change
• Complex turbulent unsteady flow and acoustic analysis
• Numerical simulation of porous media flow
• Integrated flow and thermal analysis of engineered and natural systems with interface modeling
• Mesh-free, particle-based computing and smoothed particle hydrodynamics
• Particulate and droplet flow simulation
• Free surface flow and fluid-structure interaction
• Fire dynamics simulation

Using CFD simulations, GED predicted the thermal and fluid flow processes that could take place in a high-level waste repository. These simulations establish confidence in full-scale drift modeling results under expected repository performance conditions.

Applications

GED staff members also have expertise in CFD code modification, algorithm development, and experimental benchmarking to address specific client needs. GED has provided extensive CFD research and technical assistance to a variety of programs.

The broad spectrum of staff experience can be applied for:

• Fluid flow and transport analysis of pressure vessels
• Chemical process streams
• Environmental systems and natural hazard analysis for tsunamis and volcanic eruptions
• Simulation of subsurface flow in porous fractured rock
• Pipeline flow analysis
• Fire dynamic analysis of onshore and offshore structures
• Flow and thermal study of mixing chambers

Using the volume-of-fluid (VOF) technique in the solver FLOW-3D®, the motion of a sliding wedge is simulated to predict the wave run-up height.

GED performed three-dimensional simulations for high-speed flow over a circular cylinder to validate multiscale hybrid turbulence models.

Resources

Using a tailored selection from among commercial, open source, and in-house CFD software, GED addresses diverse client requirements. Dedicated pre- and post-processing tools for mesh generation and visualization enhance problem-solving and communication of results to clients.

GED simulated a major fire that occurred in a highway tunnel to evaluate the thermal conditions during the fire.

Simulations show the time-averaged velocity distribution in a rod bundle.

This flyer was published in May 2009. For more information about Computational Fluid Dynamics – Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Experimentation, contact Kaushik Das PhD., Phone (210) 522-4269, International 001-210-522-4269, or contact Debashis Basu, Ph.D., Phone (210) 522-8333, International 011-210-522-8333, Geosciences and Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 782298-0510.

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