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CFD

Contents

Introduction
 What is CFD?
 What is possible using CFD analysis?
 CFD programs
 The CFD-team at NRG-PPT
 Examples of CFD at NRG-PPT

Introduction

Within NRG, the department PPT has, amongst other capabilities, expertise in issues relating to fluid flow and heat transfer processes. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) forms the technical basis of work undertaken for a range of commercial organisations. The following is intended to provide answers to the following questions:

Finally an overview of a typical solution route is presented, along with various examples based upon actual assessments undertaken. Should you have interest in pursuing CFD analysis further, then do not hesitate to contact us. We can possibly provide a solution to your fluid dynamics problem, or indeed help during design optimisation. We are always on the look out for specialists in the area of fluid dynamics to further enhance our existing capabilities. Open applications are welcome and should be addressed to Victor Wichers.

What is CFD?

Many fluid dynamics problems, such as gas flow through a fracture in a pipeline, or flow patterns around the hull of a ship, are too complex to be solved using analytical methods, whilst experimental research can be prohibitively expensive. Numerical methods have been developed to provide solutions to such problems, an area of analysis commonly known as CFD : Computational Fluid Dynamics.

To summarise, the CFD method works as follows: The physical domain within which the analysis is to be undertaken, is described by a computer generated geometric model. (NRG uses the program ICEM for this purpose.) The model is made up of numerous small elements (sometimes millions), which provides a numerical grid as the basis for calculations within the domain. The model is imported into an appropriate CFD program along with other necessary properties (for example, gas composition, initial temperature distribution, pressure profiles) and analysis undertaken in such a way that the fluid dynamics of each element in the model are incrementally calculated (for example, velocity, temperature, pressure). The combined results of all cells in the model contribute to the final solution.

What is possible using CFD analysis?

To get an appreciation of what can be achieved using CFD analysis, we have provided a range of examples that demonstrate some of the processes and flow types that have been successfully simulated. Process flow can comprise either gaseous or fluid mediums, or indeed combinations of the two. The thermal properties of solid materials within the physical domain of the problem can also be taken into account. CFD analysis can provide insight into complex problems, resulting in improved design, or indeed leading to alternative applications for existing technology. These issues are considered in the example analyses.

CFD programs

NRG has at its disposal a number of CFD programs, enabling the most appropriate analysis route to be adopted for each given problem. The most commonly used programs for general applications are Fluent, STAR-CD and CFX. These programs are well established and subject to continuous development. NRG strives to maintain state-of-the-art capability in the area of CFD analysis and follows these developments carefully.

Fluent, STAR-CD and CFX include models for combustion, porous media and compressible flow and are therefore used most widely, with specific issues, such as the consideration of a particular chemical reaction, introduced by way of user-subroutines.

The CFD-team at NRG-PPT

The CFD team** at NRG-PPT has many years experience solving industrial problems world-wide. Through a combination of technical skills ranging from physics and chemistry to mechanical engineering and mathematics, NRG has the in-house capability to solve complex problems in the area of CFD. Client communication is central to our approach to problem solving. Problem definition, methods of approach and solutions are all discussed openly, to ensure the benefits of the analysis are fully understood.

If the above has provided insight into the capabilities of CFD analysis and you are interested, we will be happy to provide a proposal to meet your specific needs. The work will be undertaken efficiently, in clearly defined phases, with options available for the presentation of results and interim reporting.

** For the analysis of certain multiphase flow problems, we are happy to strengthen our CFD capability through collaboration with Prof. Dr. Ing. G.H. Schnerr from the University Twente.
   NRG also maintains close links with the Burgerscentrum a research institute in the area of CFD analysis.

Examples of CFD-projects conducted by NRG-PPT

[Gallery]   CFD-gallery (short overview of our competences in pictures and animations)

[Project Updates]   Project Updates

 
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NRG, PO Box 25, NL-1755 ZG Petten, Netherlands, Tel +31-224564950, Fax +31-224568912
Information: info@nrg.eu
Update 7 February 2003