Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics Models for Industrial Applications

Abstract Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for industrial applications is more challenging due to the complex geometry and long duration and complexity of various postulated accident scenarios, resulting in different and wide ranges of length and time scales. Thus, CFD models for industrial applications are restricted to the smaller subdomains and short periods of postulated accident scenarios. Validation is most often based on the comparisons with experimental results obtained with the scaled down test facilities. Thus, the effect of scaling needs to be considered and incorporated in the validation process. During validation, valuable experience is gained related to geometry simplifications, needed mesh size, turbulence and heat transfer modeling, effects of initial and boundary conditions, different fluid thermophysical properties and interaction with other phenomena and processes. Based on the gained experience the validated CFD models are adjusted and used to simulate prototypical domains and conditions. Several examples of validations of CFD models for industrial applications are presented.