Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Our Approach

Igneum applies computational fluid dynamics to solve engineering problems where fluid behaviour is critical to equipment performance and reliability. Our CFD capability focuses on practical, outcome-driven analysis — providing insights that directly inform engineering decisions and system improvements.

A key application is wind pressure distribution across mobile machine structures, where CFD enables us to accurately determine the actual wind forces and reactions, which have a siginifiant impact on the calculated wheel loads and balance for mobile machines such as stackers, reclaimers, and shiploaders. This typically results in a substantial reduction versus the wind force which would otherwise be determined via simplified analytical methods.

Our CFD work complements our FEA capability, enabling coupled fluid-structure and thermo-fluid analysis for problems that span multiple physical domains. This integrated approach delivers more complete and accurate engineering solutions.

We also build detailed hydraulic network models that simulate system behaviour under operational conditions — accounting for pipe geometry, component pressure drops, oil properties at operating temperatures, and pump characteristics. These models enable us to verify lubrication flow rates to individual bearings, identify bottlenecks in distribution networks, and evaluate the impact of proposed modifications before physical implementation.

Equipment & Applications

• Oil behaviour analysis in complex, multi-stage gearboxes and lubrication systems
• Lubrication system flow distribution studies
• Cooling system performance and thermal management
• Heat exchanger effectiveness evaluation
• Dust suppression and ventilation analysis
• Coupled thermo-fluid problems
• Hydraulic network modelling for forced oil lubrication systems
• Sump oil movement analysis under acceleration and jerk
• Pump selection and performance verification
• Oil distribution network simulation

Key Benefits

• Visualised fluid behaviour — Clear visualisation of fluid flow, temperature distribution, and pressure fields that reveal issues invisible to conventional analysis.
• Optimised system design — Data-driven design improvements based on simulated performance rather than trial and error.
• Coupled analysis capability — Integration with FEA for problems involving both fluid and structural behaviour, such as thermal stress in heat-affected components.
• Validated hydraulic modifications — Hydraulic network modelling that verifies proposed changes to lubrication and cooling systems will achieve the desired performance before implementation.
• Risk reduction — Evaluation of system modifications and design concepts through simulation before committing to physical changes.