Large tanks, roofs, pipework and other components of a biogas installation are exposed to wind from many directions. The structural wind load is determined by the local pressure distribution and wall shear over these surfaces rather than by wind speed alone.
FlowMotion used CFD to calculate the airflow around the complete installation for relevant wind directions. The simulations provided the local static-pressure distribution and wall shear stresses on the exposed structures.
By integrating these surface loads, the resulting aerodynamic forces and moments on individual components could be determined. The calculations also revealed shielding and acceleration effects caused by neighbouring tanks and structures.
Where required, transient simulations can additionally resolve time-dependent loading associated with vortex shedding. This is distinct from the mean wind load and can be important for slender or dynamically sensitive components.
The CFD results provided quantitative aerodynamic loads for subsequent structural assessment of the installation.
