For the simulation, a 3D mesh of finite volumes is used. RWIND Simulation performs an automatic meshing, while the overall mesh density as well as the local mesh refinement near the model can be easily set using just a few parameters. For the calculation of the air flow and the surface pressure on the model, a finite volume numerical solver for incompressible turbulent flow is applied. The results are then extrapolated on the model. RWIND Simulation has been designed to work with various numerical solvers. Currently we recommend using the OpenFOAM software package, which according to our tests gives very good results and is a widely used tool for CFD simulations. Alternative numerical solvers are under development.

RWIND Simulation is able to read the topology from RFEM or RSTAB models or from external *.stl and *.vtp files (importing *.ifc, *.stp and *.igs files is in preparation). Minor corrections of the model that may be required for corners or joints are applied automatically. The data relevant to the loading can be defined either in RWIND Simulation or in RFEM/RSTAB where a separate window is available. The latter option is recommended: It enables you to create load cases at equidistant angles and apply velocity profiles according to specific standards. Effects of turbulence can be included optionally. The dimensions of the wind tunnel are set to the size of the model but can be modified, if necessary.

The results of the simulation include the pressure and velocity fields around the model, the streamlines, as well as the surface pressure and the member forces. They represent the results of a stationary analysis. All results are illustrated by means of color maps (isobands) or isolines on the model or by slicer planes within the wind tunnel, respectively. The streamlines can be displayed in an animated view, which makes it easy to evaluate the effects of laminar and turbulent flow. As an essential result of the simulation, loads are created for the RFEM/RSTAB model. They are exported to the respective load cases where they are applied as FE nodal loads or member loads. To check the surface loads resulting from the velocity profile, a special feature is available to display the load distribution in one of the global or local directions.

Dlubal RWIND Simulation Pro 2024 Here are some Key Features of “RWIND Simulation”:
– 3D incompressible wind flow analysis with OpenFOAM® software package
– Direct model import from RFEM or RSTAB including neighboring and terrain models (3DS, IFC, STEP files)
– Model design via STL or VTP files independent of RFEM or RSTAB
– Simple model changes using Drag and Drop and graphical adjustment assistance
– Automatic corrections of the model topology with shrink wrap networks
– Option to add objects from the environment (buildings, terrain, …)
– Wind load determined over the height of the building, depending on standard-specific parameters (velocity, turbulence intensity)
– K-epsilon and K-omega turbulence models
– Automatic mesh generating adjusted to the selected depth of detail
– Parallel calculation with optimal utilization of the capacity of multicore computers
– Results in just minutes for low-resolution simulations (up to 1 million cells)
– Results within a few hours for simulations with medium/high resolution (1‑10 million cells)
– Graphical display of results on the Clipper/Slicer planes (scalar and vector fields)
– Graphical display of streamlines
– Streamline animation (optional video creation)
– Definition of point and line samples
– Display of aerodynamic pressure coefficients
– Graphical display of turbulence properties in the wind field
– Multilingual user interface (e.g. German, English, Spanish, French)
– Documentation possible in the RFEM and RSTAB printout report