1. The CAD Model
It all starts with geometry.
If you built the model in a CAD system, it probably contains solid parts. To use it with Simulation CFD, it needs one or more fluid parts. There are several ways to create a fluid part:
- Create it in CAD.
- To make the volume water tight, build volumes that cap the openings
- Use the Fluid Part tool part in Autodesk® Inventor Fusion.
- Use the Void Fill tool in Simulation CFD.
Launch the model either directly from the CAD system or by opening the model file in Simulation CFD.
2. Enter What You Know
In this step, you describe the physical characteristics of the system.
A. Materials
Setup > Setup Tasks > Materials
Define what flows through the device--air, water, or whatever liquid--as well as the solid parts.
B. Boundary Conditions
Setup > Setup Tasks > Boundary Conditions
Describe the flow at the openings and heat transfer wherever heat enters or leaves the system.
C. Mesh Sizing
Setup > Setup Tasks > Mesh Sizing
The mesh is how we convert the geometry model into a simulation model.
The process is almost entirely automatic. Simply click this button:
3. Run the Simulation
Setup > Simulation > Solve
After you have described the model, you are ready to solve.
Simulation CFD uses an iterative calculation process. This means that the solver computes a solution in many small steps (iterations). With every step, the solution evolves. After some number of iterations, the solution does not change anymore, and is considered converged.
4. Learn what you didn't know (visualize the results)
Results > Result Tasks
In this step, you learn how the flow and heat move within your model. Simulation CFD has some great tools for visualizing and extracting results.
The type of result you need largely depends on the type of application:
Valves and other flow control devices
Flow control simulations usually show how the fluid flows through the device as well as either the pressure drop or the flow rate.
To practice with a flow control model, click here.
Electronics Cooling
Electronic cooling simulations typically show component temperatures and how cooling air flows through the enclosure.
To practice with an electronics cooling model, click here.
AEC
AEC simulations often show how the ventilation air moves in relation to the occupant, and if the occupant is comfortable.
To practice with an AEC model, click here.
5. Iterate and Compare
A single scenario is just the first step. In many cases, you may want to try several design alternatives.
Simulation CFD makes it easy to transfer settings from one model to another and run variations in the same design study.
When finished, you can compare the results in the Decision Center.
The Decision Center provides several ways to compare simulation results from multiple simulations:
