Frazer-Nash Consultancy possesses one of the largest independent aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and thermal analysis teams in the UK undertaking design, performance assessment, failure analysis and research using techniques ranging from simple analytical methods to state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools.
We pride ourselves in offering not only the highest level of technical expertise and computational capability, but also a pragmatic, project-oriented approach. Frazer-Nash is wholly independent and without vested interest in either hardware manufacture or CFD equipment sales. Our customers can therefore be assured that the solution to any given requirement will be both appropriate and cost effective.
Wide Range of Experience
We deploy a range of different simulation tools and approaches, chosen according to the nature of the requirement. Standard tools available include Fluent, ANSYS-CFX, Autodyn, FEAT, and a number of specialist tools for particular applications. With these tools we can provide accurate analyses in a wide range of regimes, fully integrated into the wider design environment.
Applications
We deploy our skills as part of wider engineering design studies and investigations. Some of the varied engineering environments we’ve operated in include:
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Our experience includes situations where fluid analysis leads the design loop, is applied within forensic failure investigations, or supports safety case studies.
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External Aerodynamics
As environmental and cost pressures become ever greater the search for drag reduction plays an increasingly important role in leading the design process. Computational methods are now sufficiently fast and accurate that complex design studies can be executed with only a minimal recourse to wind tunnel testing.
Our team is experienced in the development and application of those techniques that allow our customers to gain the maximum benefit from numerical modelling. We undertake not only the elements of fluid dynamic analysis, but also the extraction and application of aerodynamic loads to the structure.
Marine Applications
The maritime sector saw the first deployment of fluid analysis as part of hull design with the pioneering work of William Froude in the 19th century. Today, many of Froude’s approaches are still used for defining a hull-form, although more modern computational techniques are increasingly important. At Frazer-Nash we’ve developed techniques for accurately simulating the hydrodynamic performance of boats of all sizes through sea states, including the automatic calculation and application of dynamic wave loads.
In particular, we’ve applied these techniques to the difficult problem of fast planning craft, and used them to optimise the structural and hydrodynamic design for safety and comfort.
Industrial and Consumer Products
We use our analytical skills as part of studies that enhance product design, performance improvement, test programmes, failure investigations and market projection. For example, CFD can offer a lower cost and more rapid turnaround than physical testing without being subject to limits of instrumentation. A thorough understanding of the flow within a product, obtained through CFD, can enable better performance to be achieved, often at lower cost and with less risk.
We can advise on how CFD can be integrated into the design process for maximum benefit within tight project timescales. Our wide experience in product design includes electronics cooling, flow control valves, sensors, miniature pumps, vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers. We would be pleased to discuss any potential application, whether the requirement is for analysis or testing.
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Fire Engineering
Many of the issues at the heart of designing for fire protection can be resolved by the use of fluid dynamic analysis. Frazer-Nash has an established capability in modelling fire and smoke, and we can offer a professional and cost-effective service in support of design or assessment. Our project experience encompasses ventilation of hazardous areas, fire detection, smoke control and fire fighting (including water mist).
Our modelling experience in the field of fire engineering is deployed alongside our hazard analysis and safety engineering skills in the same area.
Ventilation and Cooling
Frazer-Nash often applies CFD to ventilation problems, since for such problems the physical testing alternative may be impracticable, too expensive or too time-consuming. The requirement for ventilation may be for comfort, for temperature control or for safety (eg: purging of explosive or toxic gases). Our experience encompasses the following:
- Vehicles
- Buildings
- Industrial Installations
- Electronics Enclosures
- Nuclear Power Plant
Gas and Steam Turbines
Frazer-Nash supports turbomachinery manufacturers with concept and feasibility studies, detailed design and performance prediction. We have expertise in specialist turbomachinery codes and our experience includes:
- Aerofoil design and analysis (using Denton, Dawes and MEFP software)
- Secondary air systems (using network flow software)
- Casing, diffuser and duct flows
- Enclosure purging and cooling
- Heat transfer analysis, including combustion systems and water-cooled casings
Power Generation
Detailed, high-integrity analytical techniques are applied by Frazer-Nash to the power industry, most commonly in support of safety cases. Some examples of specific applications are given below:
- Thermal hydraulic modelling, principally using the specialist nuclear industry code FEAT
- CFD modelling of rapid depressurisation effects, including jets and rarefaction waves
- Hazard analysis using the Nuclear Electric "R3" procedure
If you would like further information about our services or products, or want to know if we can assist you in a particular project, please complete the form on the Contact Us page.