Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
What is CFD?
CFD is a technology that uses a computer to simulate fluid flows, heat transfer and combustion processes. It numerically solves the fundamental partial differential equations that govern the fluid flows so that the processes of the fluid flows can be obtained, analysed and graphically presented.
Why is it important?
CFD is an efficient and cost effective technology that can replace to a great extent the expensive experiments such as a wind tunnel test. Much more detailed information of the flow may be obtained including those inaccessible experimentally.
CFD has become an indispensable tool for engineering process designed analysis, optimisation and scaling up, as well as scientific research.
Our expertise and activities
- CFD simulations of various fluid flow, heat/mass transfer and reacting flows
- CFD submodel development for problem specific processes simulations
- Integration of CFD with process simulations for accurate whole plant process simulations
- Multiphasics CFD simulations
Detailed research areas
- Solid/liquid/gaseous fuels combustion processes
- Oxyfuel combustion with advanced radiative heat transfer model
- Post combustion carbon capture process
- Rotating packed bed for process intensification
- Ash deposition prediction in combustion systems
- PEMFC and MCFC fuel cells
- Wind turbine aerodynamics
- Wind resources and wind farm aerodynamics
- Nuclear thermal hydraulics
- Buoyancy-influenced flow
Key people
Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Professor Lin Ma
Professor of Fluid Dynamics
Professor Shuisheng He
Professor of Thermofluids
Dr Mohammed Ismail
Research Associate/Theme Manager for the Translational Energy Research Centre
For more information please contact Professor Lin Ma.