© fluent inc. 5/10/2015a1 fluent software training trn-98-006 fluent cfd software: overview

© Fluent Inc. 04/18/23A1

Fluent Software TrainingTRN-98-006

Fluent CFD Software: Overview



A Suite of CFD Solvers

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

FLUENT (4.5 & 5) NEKTON

FIDAP IcePak

POLYFLOW 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.



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).



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



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 High-speed aerodynamics Underhood flows Compressible nozzle flow Fans, Pumps, Burners, Furnaces Turbomachinery Reactor Vessels, Heat Exchangers Internal rocket motor flows



FLUENT 5: Flow in a Cooling Jacket

Surface pressure distribution in an automotive engine cooling jacket



FLUENT 5: Axial Compressor Blade

Surface grid (one periodic repetition) Contours of pressure



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 Mixing tanks (MixSim interface) Bubble columns Fluidized beds Unsteady piston/cylinder flows



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.



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



FIDAP: Flow in a Blood Pump

Velocity vectors and pressure distribution inside a blood pump.



FIDAP: Crystal Growth

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



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

Solver of choice for polymer processing and related applications such as: Extrusion, coextrusion, die design Blow molding, thermoforming Film casting, glass sheet forming/stretching, fiber drawing Chemical reactions, foaming Viscoelastic flows (“memory effects”)



POLYFLOW: “Inverse” Die Design

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

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

die lip (calculated)

desired part

extrusion direction



POLYFLOW: Blow Molding

Uses 3D shell elements Simulation of:

Parison extrusion Pinch-off Inflation Cooling

Prediction of thickness distribution

Prediction of extrudate swelling due to:

Stress relaxation Other elastic effects

Initial configuration

Final thickness profile

Blow molding simulation of a gas tank using the membrane element



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)



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

Boundary conditions, e.g., Flow rates Web speed Vacuum

Geometry, e.g., Slide angle Gap



NEKTON: Template Example2. You can make changes in one panel:1. Initial solution for

slide coater

3. Web angle is automatically changed significant savings in problem setup and solution time



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.



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.

MixSim

Other features include: Impeller libraries from leading equipment

manufacturers Transient sliding mesh, steady-state

multiple reference frame models Non-Newtonian rheology



MixSim: User Interface



Overall Code Structure

POLYFLOW

case file data file

FLUENT 4.5, FLUENT 5, NEKTON

TGrid

FIDAP

GAMBIT

direct input

model file

results file

data file results file

Geometries and meshes can be imported from other CAE packages.

Data can be exported to other CAE packages for postprocessing.

import

export

import

export



Long-Term Product Road Map

FIDAP

POLYFLOW

NEKTON

FLUENT 4.5

FLUENT 5GAMBIT

2000+Common User Environment

“Shared FEMTechnology”

“Shared FVMTechnology”



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.

© fluent inc. 5/10/2015a1 fluent software training trn-98-006 fluent cfd software: overview

Documents

fluent cfd software

5102015a10 fluent software

suite of cfd solvers

software packages

overview slide

pistoncylinder flows

incompressible flows

single solution domain