Our CFD Consultancy Services
Using the powerful OpenFOAM® CFD solver on the University of Southampton’s high performance computing cluster, Iridis, enables us to swiftly conduct extensive, high-fidelity simulations.
We have conducted a wide variety of CFD studies, ranging from our traditional work for naval architects to flow through pumps, environmental modelling and more. Our CFD consultants use advanced modelling and analysis to investigate complex engineering problems and support informed design decisions.
Our CFD tools , combining one of the largest computational faculties in the UK with a research level set of customised solvers and code, deliver world-leading simulations, validated against our extensive historical database of experimental testing, ensuring unmatched accuracy and efficiency.
Some CFD techniques we can offer include:
- Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS)
- Volume of Fluid (VOF) free surface modelling
- Unsteady RANS, Large eddy Simulations (LES) and Detached Eddy Simulations (DES)
- Exhaust gas path tracking
- Urban micro climate studies
- Thermal transfer studies
- Propeller, turbine and other rotational flows
Smart Analysis
With all the expertise in one place, we can provide you the answers you need to solve your biggest engineering problems.
Independent
As a trusted organisation, attached to the University of Southampton, the Wolfson Unit is able to offer truly independent studies to industry, without any commercial conflicts.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Applications
Computational fluid dynamics can be applied across a wide range of engineering problems. Our CFD services span marine hydrodynamics, aerodynamic analysis and complex fluid dynamics applications, using appropriate modelling techniques to investigate performance, flow behaviour and design variations.
Marine and Hydrodynamic Analysis
CFD analysis can support vessel design and performance assessment, including hull form optimisation, resistance and powering, appendage interaction, wake analysis and propulsion effects. Free-surface modelling can also be used to investigate vessel behaviour at the air-water interface.
Aerodynamic Analysis
Our aerodynamic CFD capabilities support the analysis of sails, wings, vessel superstructures, turbines and environmental flows. Modelling can investigate aerodynamic forces, turbulent and unsteady flow behaviour, and the performance of designs across different operating conditions.
Complex Fluid Dynamics
Beyond conventional hydrodynamic and aerodynamic studies, our CFD modelling capabilities include thermal and buoyancy driven flow, exhaust gas path tracking, propellers and turbines, general rotational flows, urban microclimate and environmental modelling.
CFD Analysis and Performance Prediction
CFD analysis can provide detailed information about the forces, pressures and flow behaviour influencing the performance of a design. Depending on the application, simulations can be used to assess resistance, aerodynamic forces, dynamic behaviour, pressure distribution, turbulence, thermal transfer rates and interactions between components or structures.
These results can support performance prediction as well as comparison between design options. Visualisation of flow paths, surface pressures, wakes and other characteristics can also help engineers understand why a design performs as it does, providing additional insight to support optimisation and further development.
Hydrodynamic CFD Analysis and Hull Form Optimisation
Hydrodynamic CFD Analysis and Hull Form Optimisation
Where wave drag is important, we recommend free-surface simulations using RANS based CFD with a Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to represent the air and water phases.
We offer hull form evaluation and optimisation by conducting CFD simulations at the desired speeds and comparing results to our extensive database of towing tank results. Driven by the naval architect’s design requirements, our engineers can provide expertise in improving the lines throughout the optimisation cycle, using CFD analysis to validate each step or design iteration.
CFD modelling also allows different design configurations to be assessed computationally, helping to understand how changes to hull geometry and appendages may influence vessel performance.
Outcomes of a typical hull form analysis and optimisation study include:
- Effective power and resistance, wave and viscous drag
- Dynamic behaviour, including running trim, heave and wetted surface area
- Wave pattern and elevation
- Surface flow lines and pressure distribution
- Prediction of appendage drag and hull/appendage interaction
- EEXI / EEDI calculations and assessment
- Wake surveys and effect of propulsion on local flow via momentum disc modelling
Aerodynamic CFD Analysis
Aerodynamic CFD Analysis
We offer extensive aerodynamic CFD analysis and performance prediction capabilities. Modelling includes unsteady and twisted flow resulting from the atmospheric boundary layer, as well as state-of-the-art prediction of turbulent behaviour using Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), allowing accurate evaluation of aerodynamic forces and flow paths. Past clients include America’s Cup syndicates, naval architects, product designers and regulatory bodies.
CFD modelling can be used to investigate aerodynamic performance, complex flow behaviour and potential design improvements across marine, industrial and environmental applications.
Typical studies that can be conducted include:
- Aerodynamic efficiency of sails and wings
- Performance prediction in unsteady conditions
- Prediction of aerodynamic forces on superstructures, buildings and microclimate modelling
- Turbine performance prediction for thrust or energy production
- Renewable Energy Device optimisation
- Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIVs), flutter and galloping investigations
- Heli-deck environment studies
CFD Analysis Combined with Experimental Testing
CFD Analysis Combined with Experimental Testing
A key advantage of working with the Wolfson Unit is our expertise in both computational fluid dynamics and physical experimental testing.
We have the unique capability of offering both experimental and CFD analysis, allowing us to provide an impartial assessment regarding the suitability of each method. Depending on the engineering problem, CFD modelling may be used independently, experimental testing may provide the most appropriate approach, or the two methods can be combined as part of the same design and development process.
Our experimental capabilities include model basin and towing tank testing for hydrodynamic studies, alongside wind tunnel testing for aerodynamic investigations. This enables our engineers to draw on both computational and physical methods when determining the most appropriate approach for a project.
We excel in integrating these approaches when necessary, leveraging their respective strengths to optimise the design process. Experimental measurements can provide valuable validation data for CFD simulations, while computational analysis can provide detailed insight into the flow behaviour behind experimental results.
Processes such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) can be used to enhance validation data gained from experimental testing, ensuring comprehensive and accurate insights.
CFD Modelling for Complex Engineering Problems
Wolfson Unit’s CFD modelling capabilities extend beyond naval architecture to a wide range of fluid dynamics problems, including pump and rotational flow, thermal and environmental modelling.
Depending on the application, computational modelling can be used to investigate flow paths, pressure distributions, thermal gradients, forces, turbulence and interactions between fluids and structures. For compatible problems Bayesian optimisation can be used to extract optimal configurations from large parameter spaces, such as determining the maximum possible lift condition for multiple wing sails in close proximity.
For more complex unsteady flows, techniques such as Large Eddy Simulations (LES) or Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) can be used where appropriate. Different CFD techniques can be applied according to the engineering problem and the information required to support design and development.
CFD Consultancy for Design and Development
CFD consultancy can support engineering projects at different stages of design and development, from investigating a specific performance issue to comparing design variations and refining a proposed solution.
Computational analysis allows engineers to investigate the factors influencing performance and assess how changes to geometry or operating conditions affect the results. This can help inform design decisions before progressing to later stages of development or physical testing.
The appropriate CFD analysis depends on the engineering problem being investigated. A project may require detailed assessment of resistance and flow around a vessel, aerodynamic forces on a structure, interaction between fluids and structures, or the performance of a propeller, turbine or other rotating system. With their extensive experience and knowledge, the Wolfson Unit engineers can select the best approach used, balancing speed of solution with complexity of the model to give the best solution for the problem in hand.
Where multiple design options are being considered CFD modelling can also provide a practical way to compare alternatives and identify which warrant further development. Where physical validation is required, computational analysis can then be used alongside Wolfson Unit’s experimental testing capabilities.
Help and Support
If you need any support with your project, please get in touch.
Related Services
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Model Basin and Towing Tank Testing
Traditional towing tank experiments, model basin testing, flow visualisation and analysis, wake surveys and bespoke testing for the offshore and renewables sector.
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Wind Assisted Shipping
Tailored packages to test and evaluate wind assisted technologies.
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Wind Tunnel Testing
The Wolfson Unit offers several wind tunnel experiment services including: measurement of aerodynamic forces and moments, flow visualisation and other measurement techniques (e.g. LDA and PIV).
Frequently asked questions
Can CFD analysis be combined with physical testing?
Yes. The Wolfson Unit offers both computational analysis and experimental testing. Where appropriate, CFD can be combined with model basin, towing tank or wind tunnel testing, allowing computational results and physical measurements to be used together during the design process.
What types of CFD modelling does the Wolfson Unit provide?
Our capabilities include RANS, VOF free surface modelling, uRANS, LES and DES, exhaust gas path tracking, heat transfer and thermal driven flow, boundary layer flows and modelling of rotational flows.
What engineering problems can CFD be used to investigate?
CFD can be applied to a wide range of hydrodynamic and aerodynamic engineering problems. Applications of CFD undertaken by the Wolfson Unit include vessel resistance and hull form optimisation, sails, wing performance including stall characteristics, turbines and propellers, Fluid-Structure Interaction, pump flow, HVAC and environmental modelling and urban microclimate studies.