One dimensional (1D) CFD allows engineers to understand the flow rates and pressures, and how they might change, within a network flow system of interconnected components such as pipes, valves, junctions, pumps, controllers, fans and compressors – particularly as the operating state of the components changes, for example, as pumps speed up or valves close.

By comparison, ‘system’ or 1D CFD calculations are typically much faster. When compared to 3D CFD calculations (which may take hours) they may take only minutes to perform. 1D CFD simulation calculations are relatively quick and provide a system overview. In place of a detailed geometry and mesh, a comprehensive database of empirical and semi-empirical models, allows the analyst or designer to understand how a fluid system behaves – but without the detailed understanding of local behaviour that may come from a detailed 3D CFD model.

Coupling 1D and 3D CFD
Co-simulation of a 1D with a 3D model potentially offers the best of both worlds. It enables the sharing of boundary data between 1D and 3D models in a single or multi-domain system to facilitate the simulation the overall fluid system coupled with more detailed CFD simulation of 3D flows within a critical part of the network.

This seminar aims to:

• Explore the motivation for linking 1D system and 3D CFD models in terms of engineering and practical aspirations;
  
• Consider some of the key challenges in performing such analyses and how to rise to them; and
  
• Look at some of the commercially available options for addressing the technical need.