Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be esoteric. Every fluid dynamics simulation comes with a laundry list of best practices, turbulent models, geometry meshing needs and repetitive tasks.
Just a few CFD applications in ANSYS Fluent. Each one requires engineers to follow a different set of best practices.
Leading CFD workflows ensure that all this information is available to the engineer by enlisting a shotgun approach. They give you all the information you could possibly need at once. This information overload puts a big strain on industry to ensure their engineers are trained to know which tools to use.
But do engineers need — or want — to know or train themselves on 27 turbulence models when only three are relevant to their application? No, they don’t. They just want the answer so they can solve a problem and improve their designs.
CFD simulation software needs to provide a task-based workflow that can simplify these best practices for novices and offer all the tools experts need. These workflows could reduce or significantly decrease the amount of training required to use CFD software.
How to Simplify Computational Fluid Dynamics with Workflow Improvements
CFD software should be like a pool with lanes. You can go anywhere or follow paths that help get you where you need to go.
Imagine your CFD simulation platform is an Olympic- sized swimming pool.
Traditional workflows offer the “free swim” option. You gain access to the whole pool of tools within the software. You can go anywhere and do anything.
But what if simulation platforms offered users “lane swimming” options? In this scenario, each user is given a path through the pool that pertains to them.
Within CFD simulation platforms, these lanes would represent task-based workflows. These workflows would be:
- Tailored to the current task or application.
- Governed by best practices under-the-hood.
- Able to offer users relevant choices and options.
- Automated with respect to tedious activities.
- Customizable to allow users to create internal workflows and best practices.
- Flexible so power users can still access all the tools they need.
Core users shouldn’t see these workflow improvements as developers taking tools away. Task-based workflows are very flexible. They offer users an easier way to set up their simulations but they also let more seasoned users go off the beaten path.
You could imagine a user accessing a tool that is outside of their task-based workflow as swimming under the lane ropes of the pool. You can do it, but you should have the experience to do it properly.
However, for the average user, these simplified workflows could save a considerable amount of process time and mouse clicks.
What Does a Simplified Computational Fluid Dynamics Workflow Look Like?
Task-based workflow from ANSYS Fluent.
The key to simplifying the CFD experience is the creation of single-window, task-based workflows.
The idea is to replace much of the user’s knowledge with an intelligent platform that codifies best practices into the workflow, under the hood.
Instead of tossing users in the deep end of the pool, ANSYS suggests dropping users hints and suggestions. To improve the customer experience, make it easier to input data, make choices and correct issues.
To learn more, watch the webinar ANSYS Fluent Innovations Speed CFD Simulations to Help Engineers Get Accurate Results with Less Training or pay close attention to the release of ANSYS 19.2.
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