Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
00
1.2
Simulation and modelling
Keywords
High voltage switchgear and arcs, material processing,
computer simulation, computer aided design tools,
multiphysics modelling
Expertise
Liverpool has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about
the physics related to the operation of industrial plasma
systems (eg circuit breakers).
Collaboration with major international manufacturers has
led to the development of a set of powerful CAD and
simulation tools which are now successfully used for the
commercial development of new breakers and the
prediction of breaker behaviour within a power network.
The simulation tools have also been applied to other
plasma applications such as arc welding and cutting
and material processing, including for nanomaterials.
We are known across the world for our research expertise
on arc discharges and their applications. Our unique test
facilities produce currents up to 85kA and also house
diagnostic tools to measure the characteristic parameters
of discharges.
Years of fundamental research have resulted in the
successful development of computer simulation tools
for investigation and design studies of industrial systems
in which a high pressure arc is a main element.
The University has expertise in plasma chemistry, arc
discharges, radiation transport, material processing, high
temperature aerodynamics (including the calculation of
gas composition and transport properties) and magneto-
hydro-dynamics. Our analytical techniques cover
numerical solutions of complex systems involving fluid/
gas, electromagnetic fields, and non-equilibrium chemical
and ionisation reactions under turbulent conditions.
Capabilities and facilities
•
High power testing facilities
•
Diagnostic tools to measure the characteristic
parameters of discharges
•
Powerful CAD and simulation tools.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Centre for Intelligent Monitoring Systems.
84
Also see:
Digital Technologies –
page 139
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
