Computational fluid dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the science used by engineers to predict and manage the flow of fluids. At Arup we use CFD in a wide range of contexts, when we’re designing, dams, data centres, tall buildings or off-shore structures. CFD allows us to predict the physics that underlie how a building or asset will perform in the real world.

Our CFD experts share a common language with the architects, hydraulics experts and façade designers we work alongside. Our understanding of complex built environments is matched by our ability to mine, analyse and predict climate data. It is that combination that allows us to identify and model the many variables that govern the performance and experience of new structures.

Use cases for CFD: from buildings to city systems

How we heat, cool and ventilate our spaces, places and structures has a huge impact on the environment. Air conditioning alone is predicted to account for 2bn tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by 2050 according to the International Energy Agency (13% of all emissions). Accurately modelling and harnessing wind flows not only helps eliminate carbon-costly air conditioning. We are using CFD to help design cool, liveable spaces that rely instead on passive ventilation. 

The longer dry seasons, warmer temperatures, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme rainfall events driven by climatic change are creating stresses for our hydraulic infrastructure too. Flood storage and water supply reservoirs, coastal defence structures, river pumping stations and sewer tunnels are all subject to their impact. We are using CFD modelling to evaluate the safety and resilience of existing water and wastewater infrastructure and to inform the design of new infrastructure capable of withstanding these new threats.

Designing resilience into data centres

Data centres are among the most intense users of energy and our economy and society is more dependent on them every day. We are using the increasing capabilities of data and computation to protect the very data centres that make cloud computing possible, making them more energy efficient and resilient. In diverse climates from Ireland to India, our modelling is shaping the geometry of data centres, harnessing natural air flows and suggesting better layouts to create less energy-intensive cooling systems.

Greater accuracy, validated

Through our own research and in partnership with academics, we are constantly evolving our capabilities and  modelling tools to address new issues and applications such as insights into the ways air and water interact with the built environment. But even the most sophisticated modelling tools need validation. We benchmark our tools against physical measured data to validate their predictions and underwrite confidence in their results.

Masterplanning microclimates

Beyond individual buildings and structures, we interrogate and advise on the experience of entire cityscapes. In Oman, we used our understanding of climate and the built environment to produce an engineered microclimate for Madinat al Irfan, a new city district outside over-crowded Muscat.

Using CFD and agent-based modelling, we designed cooler, more comfortable journeys for residents as they travel to and around the new downtown area. Running multi-physics simulations to model wind and solar effects - long and shortwave radiation – we combined massing, street layout, trees and water features to create a liveable microclimate that buffers residents from a hot, windy local climate.