Surrogate modelling for enhancing consequence analysis based on computational fluid dynamics

• Published in: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries 2017-07, Vol.48, p.173-185
• Main Authors: Loy, Y.Y., Rangaiah, G.P., Lakshminarayanan, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics; Consequence analysis; Consequence modelling; Design of experiments; Pool fire; Surrogate modelling
• ISSN: 0950-4230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2017.04.027

In place of traditional empirical methodologies, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used for more accurate consequence modelling as it takes into account of geometrical obstructions. However, its use is costly and not practical for large-scale use in the industry. The present paper explores the integration of design of experiments and surrogate modelling methodologies to enhance the use of CFD-based consequence models. A new integrated methodology is applied to a case study of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pool fire, showing the challenges of training and evaluation of large-scale surrogate models. This study investigates the differences between using a non-linear global surrogate model (namely, least-squares support vector machines) and a linear piece-wise surrogate model (namely, linear nearest neighbour interpolation), as well as the use of sequential sampling algorithm as a means of improving overall surrogate accuracy. The results are analysed and localization of surrogate error regions is discussed in the paper. The new integrated methodology shows potential in improving the way consequence analysis is performed, and it could be an enabler of real-time risk monitoring systems. •Integration of experimental design and surrogate modelling enhances computational fluid dynamics based consequence analysis.•Localization of surrogate error regions should be targeted to improve modelling accuracy.•Global surrogate models may misrepresent the actual model if the latter is asymmetrical or when training data is limited.•Sequential sampling algorithms have potential in improving the accuracy of surrogate models.