Many environmental applications require the impacts of climate change to be considered in the numerical analysis. Arctic engineering also requires detailed finite element calculations considering the impact of climate on the near-surface ground freezing conditions as it impacts engineering design. Thermosyphons may often be utilized in order to maintain permafrost levels.
SVOFFICE™ offers freeze/thaw analysis using the SVHEAT™ software package. The software also provides advanced coupling in 1D/2D/3D between the SVFLUX™ and SVHEAT™ software packages in order to numerically model the processes of conduction and convection. An advanced climatic interface also facilitates input of detailed climatic data at varying time intervals.
The Challenge
Engineered structures which attract heat such as roadways can cause the melting of permafrost in arctic environments. The modeling of such coupled flow and thermal interaction requires coupling of the processes of flow and heat as well as the interactions of climate. Modeling the freeze/thaw process is highly non-linear and can be challenging numerically.
The Solution
SVFLUX™ & SVHEAT™/GE can be fully coupled in order to model the phase change of the pore-water between a liquid and a frozen solid. The processes are fully coupled and offer the most comprehensive freeze/thaw solution for 2D or 3D scenarios. The progression of freezing fronts and permafrost in relation to pipelines and other engineered structures can be modeled. The climate manager dialog can handle the input of complex climatic boundary conditions.
The Challenge
The modeling of chilled pipes requires the numerical modeling of the freeze/thaw coupled process between pore-water flow and thermal heat movement.
The Solution
SVFLUX™ & SVHEAT™/GE can be coupled in order to model the freezing bulb around chilled pipelines. The automatic mesh refinement is ideal for modeling the advance of a freezing front with a reduction in convergence difficulties.
The Challenge
Use of thermosyphons is a common engineering method of removing heat from the ground in an arctic environment.
The Solution
SVHEAT™/GE includes a thermosyphon object which allows thermosyphons to be modeled in 2D or 3D scenarios. Mesh refinement around the thermosyphon allows calculation of heat flow gradients with increased accuracy.
Software Solutions
SVHEAT™
