The wind is one of nature’s most powerful phenomena. Though humans have long attempted to answer wind’s physics, wind-related technology has made it possible to predict and understand its flow behavior and effects on humanity.

Besides, another significant achievement of the research field is computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD can apply physical fluid models to almost any geometry by leveraging numerical methods and digital computers. Impressively, engineers, architects, and city-panners can also use the same CFD models to study wind-flow behavior.

Let’s decode the relation between the two and find how to use a CFD as a virtual wind simulator. 

What is Wind Simulation?

Wind simulation is a combination of mechanical and structural aspects. Additionally, when integrated with meteorology and applied physics, these elements will reveal various effects of wind on structures. With the aid of this analysis, it is possible to analyze how wind force behaves and impacts urban landscapes and beyond.

Call it global warming or any other possible reason, wind patterns are already changing. In addition to wind farms producing less energy, buildings experiencing fluctuating wind speeds pose the need for exceptional care in the construction industry. 

As this problem grows, wind simulation and wind analysis are becoming a critical consideration for city planners, engineers, and architects across the board. As we discuss further, let’s see how wind simulation through Mechartes helps engineers to apply CFD as a virtual wind simulator across various fields. But before that, a touch-base on CFD.

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics?

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) involves analyzing fluid flows via numerical algorithms. Using CFD, engineers can diagnose complex fluid flow problems like fluid-fluid, fluid-solid, or fluid-gas mixtures. For example, aerodynamics and hydrodynamics are engineering fields where CFD analyses are commonly used.

The analysis determines metrics like lift and drag. Physical laws are modeled using partial differential equations in fluid dynamics. Advanced CFD simulations transform these laws into algebraic equations that can efficiently solve numerically. So how is CFD solving virtual wind simulations?

Why does Computational or Virtual Wind Simulation help?

A CFD analysis can simultaneously measure all desired quantities with high spatial and temporal resolution. As a result, the design process can be sped up considerably and time saved by using CFD simulations for data acquisition. Additionally, real-life tests can only measure a limited number of quantities at a time.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a computer-aided engineering technology that analyzes wind effects using online simulation. Combining wind and thermal comfort with fluid mechanics makes it possible to ensure a comfortable living environment for residents. Additionally, improve building design efficiency by providing structural stability and integrity.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations now predict and assess wind comfort environments and the aerodynamics of high-rise buildings. As a result of CFD wind simulations, we now have quantitative and qualitative data that can be trusted to guide essential design decisions. However, extensive verification and validation of CFD results are needed before making any final decisions.

Modern architectural designs must adopt CFD wind simulations as urban areas become more complex and crowded. In addition, as a result of technological advances, CAE (computer-aided engineering) tools have become widely available, facilitating the design, testing, evaluation, and improvement of models online.

A range of applications and scenarios can be simulated during online wind simulation with CFD. Also, various types of wind analysis can harness the benefits of CFD simulations. So what are those wind analyses?

Types of Wind analysis via CFD Simulations

Wind analysis evaluates comfort, wind loads on structures, air quality, and natural ventilation. Let us investigate more in detail below.

Wind comfort

CFD is used to simulate ground-level wind conditions using virtual wind simulators. In other words, wind comfort, or pedestrian wind comfort, evaluates wind effect at the pedestrian scale. This assessment includes wind direction, speed, and air pollution factors. By investigating outdoor climate changes due to the building’s frequency, you can determine wind comfort and its effects on the surrounding.

The analysis also includes wind tunnel and field results and online wind simulations. Using online platforms like Mechartes, CFD simulations validate results easier than before, especially when compared directly with other wind study results.

Wind loading

Buildings and structures are subject to wind loading due to wind pressure. When the torsional direction is more significant than zero and the surface is flat, the wind force is highest along the wind direction.

In turn, wind loading impacts a structure’s frequency model and causes vortex shedding. An evaluation, in that case, is a must, or else cause vibrations. By comparing both factors, the project mitigates the overlap between wind loads and structure responses during the design process through testing and iterations.

Pollution control & natural ventilation

Indoor and built environments are still plagued by air pollution. These systems rely on air pressure differences and wind power to move air through spaces. Therefore, ventilation is necessary, and natural ventilation holds that potential.

Using virtual wind simulations helps determine the most effective pollution control methods and natural ventilation. For instance, engineers can simulate artificial wind through ducted ventilation systems, jet fans and extract fans to remove harmful exhaust gases in underground areas like parking lots.

Most of such areas harbor gases like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Sulphur Oxides (SOx), diluting the air quality. Hence an alternative to mechanical ventilation exists in natural and energy-intensive air conditioning systems.

In a natural ventilation system, the wind force is critical. Mechartes design helps to keep passive ventilation cooling strategies in conjunction with window design and placement.

A CFD method can be highly efficient in controlling airflow through doors, windows, vents, and other inlets to achieve optimal thermal comfort in a building.

How can Mechartes Help with CFD as a Virtual Wind Simulation?

With the CFD simulation from Mechartes, you can run multiple virtual wind simulations parallel. It also helps determine if the building design is up to specifications, whether wind velocity will negatively affect the natural frequency, and whether the proposed structure will create too much vortex shedding.

Mechartes eliminates the need for physical prototyping by optimizing designs for faster iterations and a quicker design process. Need CFD simulations and analysis? Mechartes can help you with their team of exceptional engineers. Contact Mechartes today!