Scholarship PhD Studentship: “Development of a Novel Multi-Dimensional Dynamic Fluid Network Simulator”, UK
The aim or purpose of this scholarship is to investigate and produce a multi-scale computational approach for switching between 1D and 3D codes in an integrated manner to optimize the simulation of a metro environment consisting of a network of tunnels and stations
Study Subject: Science
Employer: Imperial College London
Scholarship Level: PhD
Scholarship Description: The current industry practice to analyse and design ventilation systems for normal, congested and fire emergencies in subway networks is to employ one-dimensional (1D) network modelling software and commercial three-dimensional (3D) CFD packages separately. The 1D code allows the full network and dynamic behaviour due to movement of vehicles to be assessed. 3D modelling allows issues such as smoke spreading and temperature stratification to be investigated. Much time and effort is spent building models in both forms of code and passing boundary conditions between the two, in several iterations.
A particular difficulty in tunnel networks is the operation of vehicles such as trains. In 1D software these can be modeled simply as pressure sources. In 3D CFD they can be modeled by sliding meshes, but this poses a drain of computational resources, increasing complexity and run time. Part of the project would involve identifying a methodology for capturing the bulk effects of trains in 1D and particularly important 3D effects. A 3D simulation will also allow dead-ends to be considered as trains can displace volumes of air.
The main aim of this project is to investigate and produce a multi-scale computational approach for switching between 1D and 3D codes in an integrated manner to optimize the simulation of a metro environment consisting of a network of tunnels and stations. The level of detail, complexity, and resolution required in a multi-dimension model environment, to establish a reasonable result for various scenarios such as fires or convective heat transfer by piston-effect, would be investigated. A methodology with supporting code would be developed pairing the multi-dimensional approach to allow its use in large and complex aerodynamic networks which are inherently transient in nature. The approach would have the intelligence to pick the appropriate methods to provide sufficient accuracy with minimum simulation effort. It would allow users to define which parts of a tunnel network can be treated as 1D and which as 3D, and how finely modelled, dependent on the aims of the simulation.
The objective is to model as much of the network as possible in a 1D simulation, passing selected data to a 3D CFD code only when necessary. For example, to investigate the effect of partial height platform-edge doors on passenger comfort at the platform. As part of the 3D code, a library of standard tunnel junctions will be developed to aid model construction.
This studentship is funded by the EPSRC and Arup Ltd. and will provide full coverage of tuition fees and an annual stipend of around £15,000. The rules on who is eligible are strict and cannot be changed. UK citizens are eligible, as are EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for the 3 years preceding the date of application. Other EU citizens are eligible for a fees-only award. Non-EU students are ineligible, unless they have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years preceding the date of application for purposes other than education.
Further PhD Scholarship Studentship Imperial College London Information and Application detail
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/opportunities
PhD Scholarship Studentship 2010 Imperial College London, UK
