The CFD Process
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 Autodesk® 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 Volume tool in Autodesk® SimStudio Tools.
Use the Void Fill tool in Autodesk® CFD.
Launch the model either directly from the CAD system or by opening the model file in Autodesk® CFD.
Related Links:
- To learn more about flow geometry...
- To learn more about launching from CAD...
- To learn more about launching from a model file...
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.
To learn more about Materials...
B. Boundary Conditions
Setup > Setup Tasks > Boundary Conditions.
Describe the flow at the openings and heat transfer wherever heat enters or leaves the system.
To learn more about Boundary Conditions...
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:
To learn more about Meshing...
3. Run the Simulation
Setup > Simulation > Solve.
After you have described the model, you are ready to solve.
Autodesk® 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.
Related links:
- To learn more about Solve...
- To learn more about defining the Physics...
- To learn more about controlling the simulation...
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. Autodesk® 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.
Related links
- To learn more about visualizing results...
- For more about planes...
- For more about iso surfaces...
- For more about the Wall Calculator...
- For more about Results Parts...
- For more about Results Points...
5. Iterate and Compare
A single scenario is just the first step. In many cases, you may want to try several design alternatives.
Autodesk® 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:
Relates links: