External Flow Modeling & Testing

Whether you are interested in examining wind effects or pollution dispersion, ASC has the tools and experience to test and model conditions in and around buildings, industrial sites, or even rail, auto, and aerospace vehicles.

Modeling Helps Predict:

Gas Velocity, Magnitude, Directionality, and Temperature
Pressure
Turbulence
Particle Trajectories
Lift and Drag
Wind Loading
Pollution Transport
Pollution Concentration

CFD model and physical testing of flow around a fighter pilot during a high speed (700 m.p.h.) ejection, focusing on the lift and drag forces on the head and helmet. Color contours of pressure are shown in the left, while a mannequin is connected to a set of transducers in the photograph on the right.

CFD Modeling

Computer simulation of external flow fields help our engineers and clients determine localized effects of wind velocity and force. Using CFD software, ASC helps analyze flow in or around almost any geometry.

CFD Model results of localized wind velocity used
for tracking diesel exhaust on an anchored yacht.

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Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing of external flows may occur in a wind tunnel and scale models are used to determine forces, flow paths, and plume dispersion. Applications include vehicle and sporting goods aerodynamics, wind turbines, and structural force analysis.

Wind tunnel smoke testing over scaled railroad cars.

Field Testing

Field testing may be used to measure localized flow properties. ASC’s test crew may sample wind velocity and direction, sound levels, or gas and particle species. Whether short term or continuous testing, ASC can provide our clients with accurate and reliable measurements.

Field testing wind and coal fines near a coal transfer
chute at a mining site.