Computational Fluid Dynamics, or CFD, involves the solution of complex flow and heat transfer problems through the use of specialised iterative numerical solvers. GHD has been undertaking highly specialised CFD modelling for its industry clients for over 9 years and has delivered projects in all Australian states and territories, as well as internationally in the US, Canada, and Chile. GHD has experience in using various industry standard CFD solvers and providing solutions for a variety of problems including:
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Industrial water applications
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Ventilation and HVAC modelling
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Urban environment flow analysis
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Tunnels and underground station flow analysis
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General forensic analysis and optimisation.
Industrial water applications
CFD can assist in reducing design time and the associated cost by reducing the expenses involved in undertaking full scale simulations. CFD analysis provides a cost-effective method of evaluating various design options prior to construction and reduces the need for costly retrofitting. GHD has been involved in a number of CFD simulations involving industrial water and wastewater plants, including:
- Large scale modelling of dams, spillways and fishways
- Particulate flow analysis in grit tanks and sedimentation tanks
- Optimisation of wastewater circulation systems
- Mixing analysis in wastewater digester plants
- Modelling of flows around bridge beams
- Modelling and design of pump wells to distribute flows and prevent the formation of strong vortices
- Water mister simulation of droplet entrainment and transportation
- General purpose hydraulic applications.
Ventilation and HVAC modelling
CFD modelling can assist in designing ventilation for new constructions, including heat transfer analysis from equipment such as transformers. GHD has undertaken CFD simulations in this sector including:
- Underground mine ventilation design
- Mine site conveyor tunnel ventilation design
- High voltage transformer heat rejection in an open space
- Transformer room ventilation in power stations
- Data centre ventilation and design for various aisle configurations
Urban environmental flow analysis
GHD have experience in undertaking airflow (and smoke) dispersion analysis in urban environments including:
- Large scale urban smoke dispersion modelling from emergency smoke management systems
- Airport windshear modelling in accordance with National Assessment Guidelines for airports
- Plume rise modelling of power stations
- Pedestrian wind comfort modelling and analysis.
Tunnels
Tunnels GHD have experience in undertaking airflow (and smoke) dispersion analysis in tunnels and underground stations including:
- Station and fire system ventilation performance
- Draught relief shaft performance assessment
- Station passenger comfort.
GHD have the capabilities to complement the CFD analysis with 1D and 2D ventilation modelling.
General forensic analysis and optimisation
CFD can be used to diagnose complex phenomenon including high pressure flows, smelting, etc. and ask ‘what-if’ questions to understand the consequences of failure. Some of GHD’s projects involving forensic analysis and optimisation include:
- Consequence modelling of gas pipeline rupture involving complex physics such as compressible flow, combustion chemistry, radiation and atmospheric turbulent dispersion
- Dispersion modelling of natural gas discharge under high pressure loading
- Dispersion modelling of coal mine fire
- Gas and liquid flare combustion analysis.
Please also refer to our CFD Capability Statement link.
