Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a numerical simulation technique used to predict how fluids move and interact with solid components.
It enables the analysis of flow behavior, heat transfer, turbulence and multiphase effects, helping optimize performance and reduce development risks.
Simulations are performed using trusted industry software such as Ansys Fluent, ensuring reliable and high-quality results.
CFD Extinction Tests for Ship Dynamic Stability Assessment
Roll Test
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) extinction tests provide an accurate and cost-effective method for evaluating the dynamic behavior of a vessel in calm water. By simulating free-decay motions in roll, pitch, and heave, it is possible to determine the natural periods of oscillation, damping characteristics, and hydrostatic restoring forces without the need for expensive experimental campaigns
These simulations capture the complex interaction between the hull and the surrounding fluid, including nonlinear hydrodynamic effects that are difficult to estimate using simplified analytical methods. The resulting time histories can be used to identify added mass and damping coefficients, validate numerical models, and support the design of control systems.
Pitch Test
Heave Test
CFD extinction tests are particularly valuable during the early design stages, when different hull geometries can be rapidly compared and optimized. Once validated on a scale model, the results can be reliably extrapolated to the full-scale vessel using Froude similarity laws, providing designers with realistic predictions of the ship’s dynamic response under operational conditions.
Validating Lubrication Circuit Reliability
Lubrication performance can be assessed through a dedicated CFD analysis of the oil–air flow inside the lubrication circuit.
A prescribed oil mass flow rate is imposed at the inlet, while realistic boundary conditions are applied at the outlets to reproduce operating conditions.
The simulation focuses on the prediction of the oil–air volume fraction throughout the system, allowing the identification of regions with insufficient oil content.
This approach makes it possible to verify that, at steady-state operating conditions, all critical components receive adequate lubrication, supporting design validation and reliability assessment
Thermal & Fluid Dynamics Optimization
Advanced CFD simulations enable the precise evaluation of complex thermal and fluid phenomena across diverse engineering systems. By modeling conjugate heat transfer, our analyses optimize shell-and-tube heat exchanger efficiency through enhanced flow distribution. In fluid control components, such as industrial valves, CFD accurately predicts velocity fields and pressure drops to prevent cavitation and erosion. Furthermore, applied to electric mobility, it assesses temperature uniformity and thermal runaway risks within battery packs, ensuring optimal cooling strategy design.
Lubrication performance can be assessed through a dedicated CFD analysis of the oil–air flow inside the lubrication circuit.
A prescribed oil mass flow rate is imposed at the inlet, while realistic boundary conditions are applied at the outlets to reproduce operating conditions.
The simulation focuses on the prediction of the oil–air volume fraction throughout the system, allowing the identification of regions with insufficient oil content.
This approach makes it possible to verify that, at steady-state operating conditions, all critical components receive adequate lubrication, supporting design validation and reliability assessment
Our areas of expertise include:
- Hydrodynamic performance prediction for surface vessels and submerged vehicles
- Hydroacoustic analysis and sound pressure level prediction for marine propellers
- Flow optimization in complex piping networks, valves and lubrication systems
- Thermal management and heat transfer optimization in both open and closed systems, including heat exchangers
