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Cool (FEM) Solver Parameters

This dialog is used to specify whether to use the Conduction solver or whether to run a Flow analysis on every iteration. The Conduction solver will be faster, but the Flow solver may provide a more accurate simulation.

To access this dialog, ensure that you have run the 3D mesher on your part, you have selected an analysis sequence that includes Cool (FEM), and in the Process Settings you have selected one of the Transient analysis options from the Mold temperature options drop-down menu. Then click on the Cool (FEM) Solver Parameters button. The variables in the dialog will change depending upon the Mold temperature options you select in the Process Settings Wizard.

Once you have selected the solver to run, you can specify the following solver parameters:

Dialog Property Comment Default value
Transient/Cycled average, part heat flux calculation Select the solver you would like to use to calculate the heat flux. The conduction solver is faster, but the flow solver provides more accurate results. Conduction
Number of part heat flux time steps This applies to the temperature in the part. Specify how often you would like the conduction solver to determine the temperature of the part, during the Injection + packing +cooling time period you specified in the Process Settings Wizard. For Conduction solver only
Mold temperature convergence tolerance Enter a value between the limits specified. The convergence tolerance applies to the change in mold temperature, from one iteration to the next. The lower the tolerance the more accurate the result, but the longer the analysis.0.1000
Maximum number of mold temperature cycles Select the maximum number of mold-temperature iterations you would like the analysis to perform. If the result does not converge before this maximum value, you will receive an error message. 50
Number of threads for parallelization Select one of the drop-down options to configure parallel computation. This will improve solution speed, especially for large models. Automatic
Include runners in automatic cooling time calculations Specifies that the runner system is included when automatic cooling time is calculated. Not selected
Minor Loss

There are 4 options; 3 options to use minor losses, and one to ignore them. Minor losses result from changes in geometry or added components to a channel system. They occur at inlet and exit transitions, expansion and contraction points, bends and elbows, tees, valves and pipe connections and fittings. These all cause the interruption of smooth fluid flow, resulting in minor losses of energy due to flow separation and mixing.

Calculate minor losses
If you don't have access to data specific to the geometry changes, or added components used in your cooling system, the software can calculate generic minor losses based on the geometry information you provide.
Use specified minor losses
If you have the data, choose this option and enter the loss coefficient K factor information on the appropriate model element. This option provides the most accurate simulation.
Calculate minor losses unless specified
Use this option when you have a particular component that you know contributes significant minor loss that you want to capture, but you are content to let the software calculate the rest of the system for you.
Ignore minor losses
If you have no interest in the contribution of the circuit geometry and added components to the system pressure loss, select this option.
Calculate minor losses
Friction formula

All of these options are used to solve for the Darcy Weisbach friction factor, f. Unless you have a particular preference for a particular approximation, use the default setting.

Options include:

  • SwarmeeJain - This is the default option, and the preferred approximation to the Colebrook-White equation.
  • ColeBrook White - This equation is implicit in nature and needs to be solved iteratively.
  • Haaland
  • Serghides
  • Altshul
  • Evangelides
Swamee-Jain
Simulate gravity effect in coolant flow Select this option to include gravity in the simulation. This considers the height of the inlet and the outlet nodes, and calculates how gravity contributes to the coolant flow rate. Not selected
Edit gravity direction This button is activated when you select Simulate gravity effect in coolant flow. Click this button to open the Gravity Direction dialog.  
Conformal cooling solver Select the solver to be used for conformal cooling.
FEM solver (Windows only)
The Autodesk CFD solver used for conformal cooling.
Voxel solver
An alternate CFD solver with the potential to run faster than the FEM solver.
FEM solver (Windows only)

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