Wind Engineering
Automated simulations with Ingrid Cloud ®

We will soon have multiple applications to use for Wind Engineering

Sign up for a free account

Wind flow impact is especially significant in areas with high-rise buildings.

Proper urban planning requires flow simulations. The wind has a strong influence on the safety, functionality, aesthetics and personal comfort of residents. Wind flow impact is especially significant in areas with high-rise buildings. Wind flow is a crucial element determining the personal comfort of residents, and in many cases the success of local businesses.

Outdoor flow simulations can be very useful when designing the structure of a building. Understanding how the building will interact with the environment, and in particular how it will react to internal and external air flow is becoming more critical in contemporary architectural design. Scientists predict a dynamic growth of CFD simulation popularity among architects.

In urban environments wind strongly influences the microclimate and personal comfort. High-rise buildings can provoke wind effects such as downward deflection, upwards deflection, Venturi effect with high wind speed between narrow spaces, eddies and counter-current effects. These patterns are practically impossible to predict and include in urban planning without the use of accurate CFD simulations.

As a result, a slight breeze can turn into a strong wind with speeds above 60km/h. Such wind gusts can be dangerous for pedestrians and can negatively affect the businesses in the area. Strong winds increase maintenance costs for buildings and other urban infrastructures.

However, wind can be turned into an asset if urban planners, architects and construction engineers cooperate at the earliest stages of the planning process. Turbines can power buildings, and awnings, trees and bushes can be incorporated to slow down wind.

Use cases for Wind Engineering

Pedestrian wind comfort

Wind loads on buildings

Pollution control

Microclimate

Natural ventilation