Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a modelling paradigm used to describe the spatial flow of fluids. In essence, it consists of solving a set of partial differential equations using numerical solution techniques.

At BIOMATH, CFD has been used for many applications, including the description of mixing patterns in wastewater treatment plants in terms of dead zones and recirculation, efficiency calculations for digesters, revealing the physics underlying membrane filtration, and even modelling of flow patterns in a sluice complex.

BIOMATH also has experience in combining CFD with kinetic models to describe the dynamic evolution of chemical or biological reactions distributed in space. Linking complex particle dynamics, as described by population balance equations, and CFD is another research topic BIOMATH is involved in. Accounting for the influence of the fluid flow in particle processes allows for an investigation into spatial heterogeneity, greatly enhancing the level of detail in their models. Examples are found in particle settling and membrane filtration.

Depending on the problem at hand, different software tools are being used, including both commercial (Ansys Fluent and Comsol) and open source alternatives (OpenFOAM and Salome). To assist CFD research projects, BIOMATH also offers high performance computing on its own calculation cluster.

In January 2017, the spin-off company AM-TEAM was founded to take our CFD consultancy services to the next level.