Fluid mechanics and CFD Modeling

What is Fluid Mechanics?

Fluid mechanics describes the flow of fluids and their impact on the environment, and its origins lie in classical mechanics. Numerical solutions to fluid mechanics are usually called Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD). CFD can help solve coupled problems with, for example, a fluid transferring heat.

Fluid mechanics in fire investigations

Application of fluid mechanics and CFD modeling is becoming increasingly common in fire investigations. This is because computer capacity has improved considerably, and modeling has become a cost-effective way of assessing various incidents.

We have experience with fire investigations, such as the nightclub fire in Gothenburg in 1998 and the Rinkeby fire in 2009.

Large database for modeling with fluid mechanics and CFD

RISE has collected one of the largest databases in the world for full-scale and small-scale fire tests, which can be used in calibration of models. We have extensive experience of full-scale testing where we also can perform validation experiments. Critical elements in fire investigations are the definition of fire growth and the thermal properties of the simulation materials.

You get expert advice on fire sources and material data

Our experts advise you on which fire sources and material data to use. Based on your individual wishes, we support you in your development work with fluid mechanics and CFD.

Fluid mechanics studies of underground facilities

With fluid mechanics and CFD models, we have been able to study the effects of ventilation and smoke dispersion due to fire in tunnels. Over the past two decades, several catastrophic tunnel fires have occurred, where the spread of smoke gas prevented evacuation and firefighting. We have also contributed to several tunnel projects, for example the Öresund connection between Sweden and Denmark and the Hammarkullen tram tunnel.

Fluid mechanics and CFD for simulation of smoke and fire spread

Using fluid mechanics and CFD calculations, smoke and fire spread in buildings can be predicted. Thanks to the increased computer capacity we have today, we can simulate complex buildings with a short waiting time.

CFD models for the simulation of toxic gases

Production and diffusion of toxic gases in a complex fire is a very important component, which is difficult to model in detail. In our research, we have focused specifically on monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in smoke. Lately, we have also simulated concentrations of other toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) in our CFD models.

Fire spread in CFD modeling

By combining CFD models with empirical flame spread models, it is possible to qualitatively investigate the fire growth itself. We have participated in several EU projects where we studied CFD modeling of fire spread for traveling fires, but also cable fires and room fires.

CFD Research at RISE

RISE has expertise in all areas involving CFD, both in applied and basic research. In addition, we have extensive experience in fire research and many experts in the field. Our expertise is found, among other things, in coupled CFD-FEM simulations where the boundary conditions come from a CFD modeling that is linked to an FE model using, for example, Abaqus.

High Performance Computing capability for fluid mechanics and CFD calculations

Our two High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters enable to conduct several large calculations in parallel. Overall, with our high competence in quality assurance and uncertainty quantification of CFD simulations, we help you further, regardless of whether it concerns a smoke filling calculation or to determine boundary conditions for further FE modeling.

Areas related to fluid mechanics

CFD models are used not only for fire applications but also for combustion modelling, heating- and cooling systems and sprinkler modelling. Other related areas are, for example, simulations of ventilation systems and emissions of toxic gases. simulations.

CFD models are used not only for fire applications but also for combustion modelling, heating- and cooling systems and sprinkler modelling. Other related areas are, for example, simulations of ventilation systems and emissions of toxic gases

CFD modeling expertise at RISE

We have solid knowledge, extensive experience and high competence within several different CFD programs for modeling. The ones we use most frequently are Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), FireFoam/OpenFoam and Sofie. When you hire us, you get help with CFD modeling and fluid mechanics. In addition, with a short delivery time. 

Do you need help in fluid mechanics and CFD modeling? Welcome to contact us!