Core Disciplines

Advanced simulation. Every discipline.

From airflow and acoustics to pipe stress and hydraulics, every DES service is designed to reduce risk, improve performance, and give you the engineering clarity to make better decisions.

SIM-01CFD Analysis FEA-02Finite Element Analysis PSA-03Pipe Stress & Support Design ACO-04Acoustic Modelling SMK-05Smoke & Evacuation Modelling OTC-06Outdoor Thermal Comfort HYD-07Hydraulic Modelling FGD-08Flue Gas Dispersion ENE-09District Energy Studies BIM-10BIM Coordination

SIM-01

CFD Analysis

Predict performance before you build.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation gives you a precise, physics-based view of how air, heat, and fluids will behave in your building or infrastructure system — before a single component is installed. We apply CFD to HVAC design, data hall cooling, chiller yard performance, thermal comfort, and smoke control.

Key Outcomes

Validate HVAC and ventilation designs against ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730 thermal comfort standards
Identify hotspots, dead zones, and pressure imbalances early in design
Reduce energy consumption through optimized airflow strategies
Evaluate chiller yard recirculation and fresh air intake performance
Support regulatory compliance with simulation evidence

Applications

→Data center thermal management and hot/cold aisle containment
→Building atrium and lobby airflow
→Chiller yard and cooling tower performance
→Thermal energy storage tank design
→Outdoor pedestrian wind and thermal comfort

Software & Tools

ANSYS FluentOpenFOAMAutodesk CFDIES VE

FEA-02

Finite Element Analysis

Understand structural behaviour under every load.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) enables rigorous assessment of structural and mechanical components under static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue loading conditions. DES applies FEA to pressure vessels, piping systems, equipment supports, and building structures where code-based approaches are insufficient.

Key Outcomes

Identify stress concentrations and failure modes before fabrication
Verify structural adequacy under seismic, wind, and thermal loads
Reduce material use through optimised component sizing
Support fitness-for-service assessments and root cause investigations

Applications

→Pressure vessel and heat exchanger analysis
→Equipment nozzle and support design
→Structural steel and concrete frame assessment
→Fatigue and fracture mechanics studies
→Root cause analysis of in-service failures

Software & Tools

ANSYS MechanicalAbaqusSTAAD.ProCAESAR II

PSA-03

Pipe Stress & Support Design

Ensure pipeline integrity under every load condition.

Pipelines are a critical investment in buildings, infrastructure, and process plants. DES provides comprehensive pipe stress analysis and support design to API 618, API 674, API 675, ASME B31.1, and ASME B31.3, covering thermal expansion, pressure surge, seismic, and dynamic loading scenarios.

Key Outcomes

Verify pipeline integrity under thermal, pressure, and seismic loads
Design and optimise pipe supports to control deflection and vibration
Assess pulsation and acoustic-induced vibration (AIV/FIV) risks
Ensure compliance with API and ASME piping codes

Applications

→Process plant and refinery piping systems
→District cooling and chilled water distribution
→Power plant steam and condensate lines
→Pump and compressor discharge piping
→Offshore and subsea pipeline systems

Software & Tools

CAESAR IIAutoPIPEANSYS MechanicalPULS (pulsation analysis)

ACO-04

Acoustic Modelling

Control noise at the design stage, not after.

Acoustic modelling predicts noise levels from cooling towers, chillers, generators, and HVAC plant — enabling designers to meet regulatory limits and occupant comfort targets before equipment is procured. DES also assesses acoustic-induced vibration (AIV) and flow-induced vibration (FIV) in process piping.

Key Outcomes

Predict noise propagation from mechanical plant to sensitive receptors
Design acoustic barriers, enclosures, and silencers with confidence
Assess AIV and FIV risk in high-velocity gas and liquid piping
Demonstrate compliance with local noise ordinances and CIBSE TM guidance

Applications

→District cooling plant and chiller yard noise assessment
→Cooling tower noise propagation in urban environments
→Generator exhaust and intake silencer design
→Hotel, residential, and hospital acoustic compliance
→Process piping AIV/FIV screening and mitigation

Software & Tools

SoundPLANANSYS Fluent (aeroacoustics)PULSCadna/A

SMK-05

Smoke & Evacuation Modelling

Verify life-safety systems before they are needed.

DES uses Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) — the NIST-developed Large Eddy Simulation (LES) solver — as the primary engine for smoke and fire modelling. FDS resolves turbulent combustion, heat release, soot transport, and toxic gas production with physics-based accuracy, giving authorities and designers defensible evidence of system performance. Evacuation modelling with Pathfinder is run in parallel to assess whether occupants can safely egress before untenable conditions are reached.

Key Outcomes

Predict smoke layer height, visibility, CO concentration, and temperature at any point in the building over time
Verify smoke exhaust fan sizing, curtain board placement, and make-up air inlet locations
Demonstrate Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) is less than Available Safe Egress Time (ASET)
Assess stairwell and lobby pressurisation effectiveness under door-open and door-closed conditions
Support performance-based fire engineering (PBFE) submissions to civil defence and building control authorities
Evaluate alternative design solutions where prescriptive codes cannot be directly applied

Applications

→Airport terminals, metro stations, and transport hubs
→Shopping malls, retail atria, and covered souks
→Underground car parks, service tunnels, and basements
→Museums, auditoriums, theatres, and assembly spaces
→High-rise residential and commercial towers
→Data centres and mission-critical facilities
→Industrial warehouses and logistics facilities

Software & Tools

FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) — NIST LES solverPyroSim (FDS pre/post-processor)Pathfinder (agent-based evacuation)ANSYS Fluent (supplementary CFD)Smokeview (3D results visualisation)

OTC-06

Outdoor Thermal Comfort

Design outdoor spaces people actually want to use.

Outdoor thermal comfort analysis evaluates wind speed, solar radiation, and mean radiant temperature in urban and campus environments to ensure pedestrian spaces meet comfort and safety thresholds. DES applies CFD and thermal comfort indices (UTCI, PET, PMV) to masterplan and building design studies.

Key Outcomes

Identify wind acceleration zones and uncomfortable pedestrian areas
Evaluate shading, landscaping, and misting strategies
Demonstrate compliance with Lawson comfort criteria and local authority requirements
Optimise building orientation and massing for outdoor comfort

Applications

→Masterplan and urban development wind studies
→Podium and plaza pedestrian comfort
→School and university campus outdoor spaces
→Sports facilities and stadium concourses
→Waterfront and coastal development

Software & Tools

ANSYS FluentOpenFOAMENVI-metAutodesk CFD

How We Work

A structured process. Predictable outcomes.

Brief & Scope

We define the engineering questions that need answering, the deliverable format, and the acceptance criteria — before any simulation begins.

Model Build

Geometry, boundary conditions, and material properties are established with precision. Every assumption is documented and peer-reviewed.

Simulation & Analysis

Simulations are run, validated against benchmarks, and iterated until results are stable and defensible.

Insight & Reporting

Results are translated into clear engineering recommendations — not just data outputs. Every report is decision-ready.

Not sure which service fits your project?

Most projects benefit from more than one discipline. Tell us about your challenge and we'll recommend the right combination of services.

Discuss Your Project