 Visualising the invisible: from maths to modelling
Computer modelling
is providing valuable insights into processes ranging from huge avalanches
to industrial systems around the world, with some of the most cutting edge
work occurring in Australia.
Dr Paul Cleary, of
CSIRO's Mathematical and Information Sciences has applied the modelling
technique to a wide variety of situations over the years, including
simulating the collision behaviour of rocks in mills and crushing devices
as well as huge 'virtual' avalanches in Northern Californian
mountains.
A specialist in
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the past fifteen years, Dr Cleary's
current work is helping to revolutionise the development of mineral
processing and metal production systems.
The models are
generated through the application of mathematical equations of motion and
advanced computer software, and as Dr Cleary explains, the benefits are
significant.
"CFD modelling
provides an extremely cost-effective and efficient way to test a large
number of variables in a process or system," he says.
"The technique can
be used at the beginning of process development to predict complex flow
patterns and heat transfer instead of building laboratory or pilot scale
facilities."
"It also allows us
to refine conditions throughout the development of a process and
measurements are not restricted by the temperature and complex geometry
that often present hurdles in a real system," says Dr Cleary.
Smooth Particle
Hydrodynamics (SPH), a variant of the traditional CFD technique is an area
that Dr Cleary is particularly interested in.
"In this modelling
system, materials are represented by particles which are free to move
around, rather than the fixed grids or mesh that are used in other CFD
techniques," he says.
Dr Cleary and
colleagues are currently using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), to
help speed development of a novel process involving a solvent route to
produce magnesium.
During the magnesium
production project, SPH will be used to answer numerous questions
including behaviour of the magnesia/carbon pellets, temperature
characteristics, reaction time and metal recovery quantities.
CONTACT:
Paul.Cleary@csiro.au
Ph: +61 3 9545
8005
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The Light Metals Flagship is a CSIRO
initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims
to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important
national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever
mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's
National Research Priorities. The initiative brings
together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in
fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the
environment.