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Fluent CFD Software: Overview
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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.
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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 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 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
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FLUENT 5: Flow in a Cooling Jacket
Surface pressure distribution in an automotive engine cooling jacket
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FLUENT 5: Axial Compressor Blade
Surface grid (one periodic repetition) Contours of pressure
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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
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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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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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FIDAP: Flow in a Blood Pump
Velocity vectors and pressure distribution inside a blood pump.
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FIDAP: Crystal Growth
Flow pattern and melt interface during crystal growth using the Bridgman technique
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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”)
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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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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
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MixSim: User Interface
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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
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Long-Term Product Road Map
FIDAP
POLYFLOW
NEKTON
FLUENT 4.5
FLUENT 5GAMBIT
2000+Common User Environment
“Shared FEMTechnology”
“Shared FVMTechnology”
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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.