Physical Modelling

Many industrial and atmospheric flows are extremely difficult to study at full-scale. In some cases the flow environment is hostile or inaccessible, in some cases suitable measurement techniques are not available, while in other cases the costs are simply prohibitive. In these circumstances it is often possible to obtained extremely accurate information through the use of scale model laboratory simulations.

Physical modelling is the representation of one physical flow system with another flow system that exhibits similar characteristics with respect to the key phenomena of interest. The first step in any simulation project is to identify the critical parameters. This is followed by the development of appropriate non-dimensional groups using dimensional analysis techniques. A modelling strategy is then developed with the goal of creating a laboratory simulation in which the most critical non-dimensional groups are matched between the laboratory model and the full-scale system.

Some of the many advantages associated with scale modelling include:

A wide range of advanced measurement techniques are available
Acrylic models allow visual access
Safety
Cost effective platform for evaluating and optimizing design changes
Ability to evaluate performance over extended parameter ranges

Shown here is an example of a physical model: an acrylic house has been fabricated at 1/12th scale in order to simulate ventilation flows. The image to the right shows the discharge of buoyant warm air out the upper half of the doorway, where warm and cold air are simulated using fresh water and salt water.