CFX-Germany (CFX), part of AEA Technology GmbH, a leading provider of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, has signed a partnership agreement with Schiffbau-Versuchanstalt Potsdam GmbH (SVA) making SVA a "Maritime CFX Competence Centre"

CFX and SVA have a well-established relationship dedicated to using CFD to predict the interaction between the hull of a ship and its propeller. An area of specific interest for this partnership is focussed upon improving understanding of the unsteady flow past the propeller as it rotates behind the ship. Computations with the different rotor-stator interaction methods available in CFX have been undertaken, and demonstrated that the simulation of this flow with a true time-dependent rotor-stator interface provides a significantly higher level of accuracy than the usual steady-state simulations. This approach also permits prediction of the unsteady pressure fluctuations on the hull and on the rudder, which are a main source for noise and vibration within a ship.

Several joint projects have resulted in the first ever simulation of a surface ship with rotating propeller. This study was, in large part, made possible due to the flexibility within CFX which made the creation of the rotor-stator interface possible by permitting topologically different grids to be connected and generating high quality meshes in the two regions with speed and ease.

The ability to take into consideration the behaviour of the propeller in the numerical computation of the viscous flow on a ship hull introduces valuable new perspectives for improving hull designs. It is now possible to calculate the power required in order for the propeller to achieve a certain ship speed. Previously hull improvement studies have focussed upon reducing hull resistance while neglecting to take into account the effect of the propeller on the flow and the interaction between the ship hull and the propeller. This has resulted in ship designs with low bare hull resistance but with high power requirements. Due to the continued development of the CFX software it is now possible to investigate the impact of improvements in both hull and propeller design simultaneously.

Other joint projects have included the development and implementation of advanced turbulence models into CFX in order to improve its predictive capability for flows with separation. For example, significant improvements in the near wall treatment of flow within CFX turbulence models has resulted in reducing grid sensitivity within the model while at the same time achieving robust numerical results. This feature is of great benefit in the simulation of both model and full-scale marine applications where near wall flows are of great significance.

Moustafa Abdel-Maksoud, Numerical Simulation Group Manager at SVA states, "The relationship between the two companies is technically very strong and has already generated a number of world firsts including the improvement of a ships hull with respect to velocity distribution in the propeller plane".

"The collaboration between SVA and CFX has resulted in many significant improvements of the CFX software, which makes CFX the preferred choice in marine applications. We are committed to ensuring our software meets the demands of our maritime customers," endorses Florian Menter, Head of Development at CFX-Germany.

Under the agreement, CFX will supply a variety of support to SVA ranging from software to an on-going training programme for SVA employees. In return, SVA will provide expertise and consulting in all areas of marine design and application.

This commercial agreement reinforces CFX's leading position in the development of marine hydrodynamics CFD software, and joins a number of existing partnerships including Qinetiq (formerly DERA Centre for Marine Technology) in the UK and CFX's position as official supplier of CFD software to Team New Zealand in their push for victory at the 2003 America's Cup Challenge.

About CFX and AEA Technology.

CFX is a leading supplier of CFD software and services to the chemical, manufacturing and power generation industries. The company's mission is to improve customers' efficiency and profitability by delivering outstanding CFD solutions and support.

AEA Technology plc is an innovation business supplying technical, safety and environmental solutions to a broad range of industries worldwide. AEA Technology plc (LSE: AAT) employs nearly 3,600 people in more than 90 locations around the world, bringing science to the marketplace through consultancy, technical services, hardware and software systems, research, development and technology transfer.

For more information contact CFX Global Marketing Manager +44 01235 448035 or cfxgmm@cfx.aeat.com alternatively visit our website www.cfx.aeat.com.

About SVA.

The Potsdam Model Basin - SVA - is a private research institute, which specialises in ship hydrodynamics and related fields. The SVA was founded in 1953 and currently employs 44 people. SVA's main areas of activity focus upon supporting the development of industrial products and associated research activities in the following areas: ship resistance, propulsion, cavitation, manoeuvring and seaworthiness. The institute boasts many modern experimental and measuring devices such as the SVA towing tank and cavitation tunnel which support SVA in its mission to introduce the most advanced technical solutions and numerical methods into the maritime industry. The long-term co-operation between CFX and SVA will contribute towards directing the development of the CFX software so that it fulfils the CFD requirements of the maritime industry.

For more information on the activities of the Potsdam Model Basin - SVA visit, www.sva-potsdam.de.