The BLWTL employs cutting-edge fluid flow simulation techniques to evaluate site and regional wind behaviour, or to complement our experimental wind tunnel testing.
We leverage powerful commercial and in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programs to perform refined wind flow simulation. This ensures our simulations are high-fidelity and precisely tailored to the specific needs of the project.
Our staff has a diverse range of experience with CFD simulation of typical winds and severe weather events such as downbursts and tornadoes. These simulations have been applied for a range of structures including bridges, buildings, and wind turbines.
The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) compliments and expands the capability of the BLWTL beyond traditional wind tunnel limitations. It offers a versatile and cost-effective tool for appropriate projects, including preliminary analyses, servicability criteria assessments, specialized flow phenomena (e.g. stack effect), or to complement experimental testing.
For highly complex or groundbreaking CFD projects, we leverage our connection to Western University to facilitate strategic research partnerships, including frequent collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering graduate program and the WindEEE Research Facility.
Pedestrian-Level Winds
We employ CFD to virtually model wind flow in urban areas including existing and proposed structures. By evaluating the simulated airflow at pedestrian height alongside the wind climate for the site, we identify the year-round probabilistic wind speeds. These wind speeds can be compared to local requirements to assess pedestrian safety and comfort for the site and the potential impact of the proposed building.
Performing the pedestrian-level wind analysis using CFD is a cost-effective method to ensure compliance with comfort criteria and inform landscape or architectural design adjustments.
Example Comfort Prediction from a CFD PLW Study
Stack Effect Studies
We employ CFD to simulate and analyze complex internal airflows and pressure differences within high-rise buildings. This is critical for evaluating the “stack effect” – the phenomenon of vertical air movement through a structure due to temperature and pressure differences. The stack effect can significantly impact energy consumption, cause uncomfortable drafts, and lead to internal pressurization issues that cause doors to slam or jam.
It is generally not practical to evaluate the stack effect using wind tunnel testing; CFD provides an alternative approach which can be precisely tailored to the layout of the proposed building. In these simulations, an approximated facimile of the connected air pathways of the structure is constructed and employed in the CFD simulation to determine the airflow between neighbouring regions.
In instances of undesirable performance, the detailed results from these studies guide the design of appropriate mitigation measures, such as vestibules or door dampers.
Example Flow Diagram from a CFD Stack Simulation
Topographic Studies
For regions too large to be effectively evaluated using physical wind tunnel testing, we employ CFD to efficiently simulate wind flow over complex, large-scale terrain. These simulations allow us to establish accurate, site-specific wind profiles and turbulence characteristics that account for hills, valleys, and coastal effects. This data serves a critical, validated input for subsequent wind engineering analyses.
Example Topographic CFD Simulation Mesh
We precisely simulate site conditions using proximity model wind tunnel testing to deliver a definitive analysis of pedestrian safety and comfort for the project site.
We use highly detailed topographical models in the wind tunnel to determine the full-scale wind characteristics and local wind effects at sites with complex terrain.
Connect with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory to discuss your project’s unique design and challenges.