Institution news
Bringing his extensive fluid modelling expertise within the oil & gas, water & waste water, nuclear and aerospace industries, Nick Brown is one of many speakers who will be joining the Institution’s upcoming Simulation and Modelling 2018 conference in Birmingham.
In his presentation entitled "Time-saving Simulation Techniques to Quantify the Effects of Excrescences on Aeroplane Performance”, he will be sharing some of his findings following his involvement in the ASTEROID research consortium, in which he has been developing more efficient ways of using simulation to determine changes in aircraft performance due to surface deviations.
Q: Could you briefly explain your current role and involvement in simulation and modelling within your industry?
Nick Brown (NB): I’m currently working as a CFD Engineer at BHR Group, a leading independent engineering consultancy that specialises in fluid engineering. The business works in a number of industries including water & wastewater, oil & gas, nuclear and aerospace & defence, helping clients solve problems across the whole asset and project lifecycles. I joined at the start of 2018 and my key projects to date have been in aerospace and the water industry.
As part of the aerospace project, I have been looking into how to use simulation to develop more efficient ways of calculating changes in aircraft performance due to surface deviations, caused by such things as steps and gaps between adjacent panels and external repair patches.
In the water industry I have been modelling pressure surges in large-scale water networks, to help our clients ensure safety standards are fully met, and mixing processes (particularly relating to impeller mixers and chlorine contact tanks) to maximise efficiency of the design and operation.
Prior to joining BHR Group, I spent five years providing CFD solutions to the oil and gas industry, specialising in thermal management solutions for another engineering consultancy. This was my first role after I completed my PhD at Imperial College, which explored turbulent transition using a combination of asymptotic and computation methods.
Q: What is the number one challenge holding back integration of simulation and modelling in today’s engineering climate?
NB: I think probably the major challenge in integrating simulation in engineering solutions is confidence in the models and assessing uncertainty. Although there are normally validation examples provided by the software providers they will be for specific examples and may not be so accurate for the operational conditions and geometry needing to be assessed. Often new experimental data will be required to get a baseline validation for future simulations, so clients may decide to proceed only with experiments. At BHR we have the benefit of operating both CFD and physical modelling which enables us to maximise the efficiency of both disciplines and share learning and development.
Q: Where do you see the future use of simulation and modelling technologies going over the next 5 years?
NB: I see computational modelling getting more complex with increases in computational resources allowing bigger simulations to be run more quickly. Complexity will include increasing use of more advanced physics eg. multi-phase, phase change, and more integration of moving parts eg. mesh deformation, fluid structure interaction.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at Simulation and Modelling 2018?
NB: I am looking forward to seeing what other people are modelling in aerodynamics and if the methods we have developed can be more widely applicable.
About Simulation and Modelling 2018
Taking place on 18-19 September 2018 in Birmingham, the Simulation and Modelling 2018 conference will provide engineers with a unique opportunity to discuss the latest developments being made with computer aided and virtual engineering.
Join us to explore the advances being made with integration, optimisation and validation, from design stage right through to manufacturing. Topics for 2018 include digital twinning, design, validation, fault detection and process optimisation, with the opportunity to engage with colleagues and peers across the automotive, aerospace, power, process and manufacturing sectors.
For more information and to join the event, please visit Simulation and Modelling 2018 conference.