How Physical Modeling Can Help Achieve Optimal Performance And Maximize Existing Infrastructure

When it comes to infrastructure design or redesign, understanding hydraulic conditions — for all foreseeable scenarios — is paramount. You might call it "test driving" your facility.

But in the world of modeling, there are different methods for running your tests. Ed Wicklein, Principal Technologist with Carollo Engineers, joined Water Online's Todd Schnick and Kevin Westerling for a Water Talk on scale physical models, while also touching on newer tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Wicklein runs Carollo's CFD modeling program and is a member of the Hydraulic Institute Intake Committee, so his insight on flow conditions and pump requirements runs deep.

In this discussion, he talks about both the benefits and challenges of scale physical modeling, where CFD fits in, the utilization of hydraulic data, and what new developments are affecting this area of water/wastewater engineering.