ANSYS ensures structural integrity of 2014 FIFA World Cup stadium

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Futbol fans can focus on the action on the pitch during the upcoming FIFA World Cup without having to be concerned about the structural integrity of the stadium, thanks to engineering simulation technology from ANSYS.

Multiphysics analysis validated that the fierce Brazilian winds won't impact the safety for spectators and teams in the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasilia.

Engineers completed the analysis in two weeks - about one-tenth the time required for traditional wind-tunnel validation - for 66 percent lower costs compared to physical testing methods.

Simulation specialists at ANSYS channel partner ESSS used ANSYS computational fluid dynamics software to predict airflow around the stadium and pressure on the stadium roof.

The specialists also used ANSYS finite element analysis software to study the combined effects of wind, stadium infrastructure and a traditionally rowdy crowd.

Pimenta, professor at the University of São Paulo, said: "Based on the results from ANSYS, I recommended several changes, such as increasing the number of cables and cable tension. This is the first time that multiphysics simulation has been used as the primary tool for validating the design of a major stadium in Brazil for wind loads."

Gilles Eggenspieler, fluids product manager at ANSYS, said: "The World Cup is one of the most exciting sporting events imaginable, and ANSYS is very excited to be a part of its success. As the World Cup stadium proves, simulation is revolutionizing the design process by reducing the need for costly physical tests in nearly every industry. This saves users time and money and also results in breakthrough designs, like Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha."