With Flow Design for Revit, you can explore the flow results or make adjustments to the Revit geometry as the wind tunnel runs. The model updates automatically in response to geometric changes.
Here is a summary of the Flow Design for Revit process:
- Start Revit, and open or create a model. Start Flow Design by clicking Flow Design > Start.
- The wind tunnel flow starts as soon as the model is loaded. By default, the model solves in 2D, and displays results on a plane.
- From Setup, set the wind direction and wind speed. Optionally, adjust the Resolution and the Domain Size. You can also prescribe a Wind Profile. Select if you want to conduct a 2D or a 3D simulation:
- Choose 2D to conduct a conceptual wind tunnel flow. It's not as accurate as 3D, but solves quicker.
- Choose 3D to conduct a design-level wind tunnel flow. 3D is more accurate than 2D, but takes more time.
- In the Results panel, define the plane position and orientation, and the displayed result quantity (velocity or pressure). Add Probes to monitor the results at specific locations. You can also display pressure results on the model to assess wind loading.
- To share your results, click Render Results from the Save panel. You can create images and save them within the Revit project.
Note: Your Autodesk 360 account must be authorized to run Flow Design. If you are not signed in, Revit prompts you to sign in before you can run Flow Design.
When your wind tunnel flow is finished, you can return to Revit by clicking Finish.
Supported Revit Element Categories
Flow Design supports the following element categories in Revit:
- Mass
- Generic Models
- Doors
- Windows
- Curtain Wall Panels
- Curtain Wall Mullions
- Curtain Grids
- Walls
- Columns
- Structural Columns
- Structural Stiffeners
- Roofs
- Structural Foundations
- Structural Trusses
- Structural Beam Systems
- Stairs
- Structural Framing
- Floors
Flow Design ignores geometry elements not found in this list, and does not display results on them.