Integration of Computational Fluids Dynamics and Virtual Reality Visualization for Constructing the Wind Field

Abstract

3-D wind field models were developed for constructing 3-D wind fields in an urban wind condition and over irregular terrain. The virtual environment is used to visualize the simulation results. Simulation results based on statistical input data were obtained for 3-D urban wind flow over the Classroom and Office (CLO) building at Purdue University Calumet (PUC). The objective for this project was to construct the 3D wind field around the roof of the CLO building in order to analyze the wind condition and identify a suitable installation area which would have relatively more wind power but less turbulence for the wind turbine. By using the virtual reality (VR) technique, the simulation results can be clearly and vividly shown in a virtual environment that would not be as limited as traditional two-dimensional views. Statistical analysis was based on the wind data that was recorded by a sensor located on the roof of the CLO building. Specific wind conditions, which were obtained from the statistical analysis, were applied to simulation cases for the wind flow around a 3-D geometry model of the CLO building. In addition, different wind directions were applied in the Fluent program. After the CFD simulation results were exported, the virtual reality technique was used to visualize the simulation results, which can be observed intuitively. Visualization of simulation results are easier to be observed and be analyzed.