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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Daniel Gessler, P.E., Ph.D.

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an important part of many engineering analysis and design projects. The increased understanding of fluid flow allows engineers to design with greater confidence resulting in improved safety and reduced project costs. However, it is important that steps are taken to ensure that the increased confidence is not misplaced, and that the limitations and risks associated with the use of CFD are well understood for each project. This webinar presents methods and guidelines for determining modeling limitations that can then be communicated with project owners and engineering managers. The methods apply to both commercial software and in-house software that the students develop. The method for computing uncertainty is independent of the software.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Using CFD to prove preconceptions rather than evaluate the hydrodynamics
• Using CFD in lieu of physical models where not appropriate
• Improper code application
• Model uncertainty is not quantified

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Discuss limitations, risks, and failures of CFD
• Formulate methods to avoid pitfalls
• Discuss guidelines for determining model limitations

Webinar Benefits

• Learn how to reduce the risk associated with the use of CFD
• Apply methods to commercial and in-house software
• Design fluid flows with greater confidence

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Numeric modelers seeking to gain knowledge on an approach for reducing project risk associated with the use of CFD
• Modelers, project manager and owners of projects where CFD is being used

Webinar Outline

• Considering engineering judgement when evaluating the findings of CFD models
• When to resolve whether the CFD or the engineer's judgement is correct
• How low cost of CFD relative to physical models is driving engineers to consider using CFD where it may not be appropriate
• Justification for this is that the project cannot afford a physical model
• The CFD model, while extended beyond its limitations, is better than nothing
• Justification can be incorrect ; having no model might be better than an incorrect CFD model
• False confidence in CFD results can lead to the construction of poorly performing or unsafe projects
• All CFD codes are not created equal
• CFD codes are validated and calibrated for specific applications
• Understanding the limitations of available CFD codes
• No CFD model is perfect, nor are the inputs certain
• Understanding cumulative uncertainty

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]