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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

Fluent CFD Software: Overview

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

A Suite of CFD Solvers

Fluent provides a suite of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers:


FLUENT (4.5 & 5) FIDAP POLYFLOW NEKTON IcePak MixSim

All are software packages for modeling processes involving:


Fluid flow Heat transfer Mass transfer and chemical reactions Related phenomena

They differ in the solver technology used and the industrial applications on which they are focused.

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

Why Multiple Solver Technologies?

Each CFD solution method performs best on a specific group of applications. As a result, distinct solver algorithms are needed to optimize speed, robustness, and accuracy on different applications. Fluent Inc. pursues multiple solver technologies in order to meet the diverse needs of our users. Recently, we have also developed products with capabilities and user interfaces that are tightly focused on specific industries/applications (e.g., IcePak and MixSim).

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 4.5 and FLUENT 5

FLUENT 5:

FLUENT 5 integrates FLUENT/UNS and RAMPANT

Segregated-implicit, coupled-explicit/implicit FVM solver options Complete mesh flexibility

Unstructured quad/hex, tri/tet, or hybrid meshes with solution-based mesh adaption

FLUENT 4.5: Pressure-based, segregated, finite volume method Structured quad/hex meshes Contains some models which have not yet been ported to FLUENT 5

Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase flow model Deforming mesh

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 5

Ideally suited for:

Compressible and incompressible flows

Able to handle full range of Mach numbers in single solution domain

Flows involving complex geometries and complex physics

Typical applications include:


Automotive external aerodynamics Underhood flows Fans, Pumps, Burners, Furnaces Reactor Vessels, Heat Exchangers

High-speed aerodynamics Compressible nozzle flow Turbomachinery Internal rocket motor flows

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 5: Flow in a Cooling Jacket


Surface pressure distribution in an automotive engine cooling jacket

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 5: Axial Compressor Blade

Surface grid (one periodic repetition)


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Contours of pressure
Fluent Inc. 10/18/2013

Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 4.5

Ideally suited for:


Incompressible and mildly compressible flows Flows involving complex physics Multiphase flows Flows requiring deforming grids

Typical applications include:


Cyclones Bubble columns Unsteady piston/cylinder flows

Mixing tanks (MixSim interface) Fluidized beds

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FLUENT 4.5: Multiphase Flow in a Riser

Instantaneous solids concentration in a riser, which is a pneumatic solids conveying device. Porous media (simulating a perforated plate) at the top of the domain distributes the flow and produces uniform delivery of catalyst (solids) to the reactor.

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FIDAP

Fully coupled or segregated finite element method

Ideally suited for:


Incompressible and mildly compressible flows Flows involving complex geometries and physics

Complete mesh flexibility:

Unstructured quad/hex, tri/tet, or hybrid meshes

Solver of choice for applications involving turbulence, stiff chemistry, free surfaces, phase change, and shear dependent viscosity Typical applications include:

Biomedical flows Semiconductor flows: CVD, crystal growth, electroplating Metal casting, solidification, and extrusion Extruders, complex die flows
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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FIDAP: Flow in a Blood Pump

Velocity vectors and pressure distribution inside a blood pump.

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

FIDAP: Crystal Growth


Flow pattern and melt interface during crystal growth using the Bridgman technique

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

POLYFLOW

Fully-coupled and segregated finite element methods

Ideally suited for laminar, viscous flows involving:


Complex rheology (including viscoelasticity) Free surfaces

Mesh flexibility:

Unstructured quad/hex, tri/tet, or hybrid meshes, wedge elements Extrusion, coextrusion, die design Blow molding, thermoforming Film casting, glass sheet forming/stretching, fiber drawing Chemical reactions, foaming Viscoelastic flows (memory effects)

Solver of choice for polymer processing and related applications such as:

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

POLYFLOW: Inverse Die Design

Given desired part shape, POLYFLOW determines necessary die lip geometry.

desired part

die lip (calculated)

Requested part shape and calculated die lip shape for a rubber car door seal.

extrusion direction

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

POLYFLOW: Blow Molding


Uses 3D shell elements Simulation of:


Initial configuration

Parison extrusion Pinch-off Inflation Cooling

Blow molding simulation of a gas tank using the membrane element

Prediction of thickness distribution Prediction of extrudate swelling due to:

Stress relaxation Other elastic effects

Final thickness profile

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

NEKTON

Variable-order finite element method (spectral element method)

Ideally suited for laminar, viscous flows with free surfaces

Unstructured quad/hex meshes with solution-based polynomial adaption (2D) Linear stability analysis for coating applications Solver of choice for thin film coating flows such as:

Slide, slot, roll, curtain, and blade coating Multi-layer coatings Deforming boundaries (rubber-backed rolls, compressible substrates)

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

NEKTON: Coating Flow Analysis

Template-based problem solving: base solution can be parameterized to quickly study changes in:

Properties, e.g.,

Density Viscosity Surface tension Flow rates Web speed Vacuum Slide angle Gap

Boundary conditions, e.g.,


Geometry, e.g.,

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

NEKTON: Template Example


1. Initial solution for slide coater 2. You can make changes in one panel:

3. Web angle is automatically changed significant savings in problem setup and solution time
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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

IcePak

IcePak is focused on electronics

cooling design:

Cooling airflow, heat conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer

The user interface and automatic meshing are tailored for applications such as:

Cabinet design Fan placement Board-level design Heat sink evaluation

Flow pathlines and temperature distribution in a fan-cooled computer cabinet.

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

MixSim

MixSim is a specialized user interface that allows quick and easy set-up

of mixing tank simulations. The tank size, bottom shape, baffle configuration, number and type of impellers, etc. are specified directly. The mesh and complete problem definition are then automatically created. Other features include:

Impeller libraries from leading equipment manufacturers Transient sliding mesh, steady-state multiple reference frame models Non-Newtonian rheology

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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

MixSim: User Interface

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Overall Code Structure


Geometries and meshes can be imported from other CAE packages.
GAMBIT TGrid direct input

FLUENT 4.5, FLUENT 5, NEKTON

import export

FIDAP

import export

POLYFLOW

case file data file

model file

results file

data file

results file

Data can be exported to other CAE packages for postprocessing.


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Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

Long-Term Product Road Map


FIDAP
POLYFLOW NEKTON GAMBIT

FLUENT 4.5 FLUENT 5

Common User Environment

2000+

Shared FEM Technology


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Shared FVM Technology


Fluent Inc. 10/18/2013

Fluent Software Training TRN-98-006

Summary

As your applications for CFD expand, you can benefit from our multiple solver technology. Our goal is to provide the appropriate (best) solver for each application. Development of a common interface will allow you to more easily take advantage of different solvers.

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