Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Physical Modeling as Design Tools for Evaluating Pump Stations

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling is being used as an evaluation tool for designing pump stations. The Hydraulic Institute (HI) is preparing a revised Standard for Pump Intake Design and has identified the lack of CFD model to prototype comparison data to substantiate the use of CFD modeling as an accepted design analysis tool. This paper provides some research data on the comparison of CFD modeling to physical modeling, identifies the limitations of CFD modeling, and identifies the appropriate uses of CFD modeling, physical modeling, or both.