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Fluid mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

The use of CFD models within RISEhas undergone an explosive increase of new applications. In recent years, RISE has increased its expertise substantially to meet the growing demand from its customers.

Simulation of the carbon monoxide levels in the Rinkeby fire.

We have experts performing high quality work with short delivery times for specific, customer-based problems as well as for applied and fundamental research. At RISE we have knowledge and renowned competence in several different CFD softwares such as Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), FireFoam/OpenFoam and Sofie.

Fire investigations

Post-fire investigations are a growing field of application for CFD modelling. We have experience in post-fire simulations in several cases such as the Göteborg nightclub fire 1998 and the Rinkeby fire 2009.

Large Data Base

A critical phase in CFD simulations is the definition of the fire growth and thermal properties to be used in the simulation. We have one of the largest databases in the world regarding full scale and small-scale tests in this field, with long experience in full scale testing where validation tests can be performed. Thus, we are well suited to provide expert guidance concerning the choice of fire source and material data to be used in the CFD modelling.

Smoke transport and evacuation in the Hammarkulle tram tunnel.

Tunnels

Over the past two decades a number of catastrophic tunnel fires have occurred. The spread of smoke in these fires hampered evacuation and firefighting. Using CFD models, the complex ventilation situation and smoke spread inside tunnels can be studied. At RISE we have world renowned experts in this field. In this capacity we have already assisted in several recent tunnel projects, e.g., the Öresund link between Sweden and Denmark and the Hammarkulle tram tunnel.

Simulation of a pool fire in the large fire hall at RISE.

Smoke and Fire spread

Smoke and fire spread in complex buildings such as atria can be predicted by means of CFD calculations. The increasing computer speed has made it possible to begin simulating more complex buildings with reasonable calculation times.

Chemical Species

The production and movement of toxic species in a complex fire is very important and difficult to model in detail. We have conducted research into this area, concentrating specifically on monitoring of the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in fire gases. Other toxic species are also important and using a CFD model the concentration of e.g. hydrogen cyanide (HCN) can be determined.


Flame Spread

When combining CFD models with numerical or empirical flame spread models the fire growth itself can be investigated qualitatively. Further development is currently underway for a more sophisticated implementation. Practical examples with cable fires and room tests have already been performed.
 

Simulation and test of an electrical vehicle battery casing that was used as input to an FE model to determine the maximum temperature in the battery cells inside the casing.

CFD Research

RISE is your partner in all areas of applied and fundamental research involving CFD. We have long experience in fire research and a broad and large availability of in-house experts. We have long ecperience in coupled CFD-FEM simulations where the output from the CFD simulation is used as boundary in an FE model, using e.g. Abaqus.

CFD Calculations and Cluster Capabilities

We have a 256-core cluster that can perform several simultaneous large calculations coupled to a secure file transfer solution that is capable of handling virtually any file size. We have are experts on quality assurance and uncertainty quantification of CFD simulations.

Other Areas

We use CFD models not only for fire applications but also for combustion modelling, heating and cooling systems and spray modelling. In addition, we have performed simulations on HVAC systems, pollutant emission, thermal comfort, natural ventilation.

Johan Anderson

Contact person

Johan Anderson

Forskare

+46 10 516 59 26

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