What to look for in a CFD modeller...

So you have a project that requires the services of a CFD modeller, and you don’t know where to begin? Well the aim of today’s post is to arm you with the knowledge you need to ensure that the CFD modeller you engage is the right person/company for the job.

First of all, let’s talk about knowledge and experience; these are probably the most important attributes to look for. CFD modelling is a bit of an art form, and requires an extensive appreciation of numerical analysis, physics and fluid mechanics. The latter is especially important – expertise in understanding turbulence and how to apply it in commercial or industrial applications is one way to distinguish a good CFD engineer from an average one. Unfortunately, turbulence isn’t taught in undergrad degrees – that’s why the best CFD modellers almost always have postgrad degrees (PhD or Masters) in the field.

Next, have a look at how long they have been active in providing these services. Have they been around for at least 5 years? Or did they start up 1 or 2 years ago? Are they a freelancer, a one-man band, or are they a company employing CFD specialists? See if you can verify a long-enough history that you’re comfortable with. Also word-of-mouth can be very helpful here – do you know of colleagues (or competitors) who have engaged the services of reputable CFD providers?

Ask the prospective modeller what software packages they use… they should be using software that is fit-for-purpose to solve your problem. It cannot be understated how important this is – we have seen so many examples where a particular tool has been used in an application that it is completely not suitable for, such as freely-available fire-modelling CFD software (with super-coarse meshes) being used to simulate large-scale wall-bounded flows, e.g. a multi-level car park. In an example such as this, so many simplifications and approximations are made (e.g. modelling each level independently, simplifying curved walls & ramps, not including vehicles as obstructions, etc.) that the end modelling result is not representative at all of the real situation. The old adage still holds true here; crap in = crap out. That’s why the most highly-regarded CFD modellers have a variety of commercial software in their arsenal, to allow them to solve any problem using the best software for the job.

Finally, all of the above becomes moot if you cannot easily get in touch with the experts. Can you pick up the phone and give them a call? Do they freely provide advice, or are they just looking to “close the sale”? Are they located nearby, and you can catch up over a quick coffee? The importance of being able to easily reach out and discuss the project, requirements and modelling results is often overlooked…

Now that you’ve chosen a modeller you’re happy with, you can relax knowing that you’re in good hands!