Flow Science, Inc. announced a major release of its CFD software FLOW-3D (v.12.0)
The new release features significant upgrades to the GUI, which allows implified model setup and an enhanced user experience. In addition, FLOW-3D v12.0 features a new Immersed Boundary Method, and a sludge settling model.
“FLOW-3D v12.0 includes new features and developments in both the solver and the user interface. But without a doubt, the rejuvenation of the user interface steals the show. The UI modernization couples a new look with numerous optimizations under the hood for a much-improved user experience,” said Amir Isfahani, CEO of Flow Science.
“With version 12.0, we are laying the groundwork for a sophisticated user interface that will serve as the foundation for more application-specific CFD products in the pipeline. Stay tuned for those.”
FLOW-3D v12.0’s Enhanced Features
So, in summary, the most significant enhancements in the latest release are:
Immersed Boundary Method
Accurate prediction of forces and energy losses is crucial to the success of modeling many engineering problems involving flows around solid bodies. The release of FLOW-3D v12.0 features a new ghost-cell based Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) designed for such problems. IBM provides a more accurate solution near walls for internal and external flows, improving the calculation of drag and lift forces.
Two-field temperature for the two-fluid model
The two-fluid heat transfer model has been extended to separate energy transport equations for each fluid. Now, each fluid has its own temperature variables, which improves the accuracy of the heat and mass transfer solutions near the interface. Heat transfer at the interface is now controlled by a user-defined heat transfer coefficient that can be a tabular function of time.
Steady-state accelerator for free surface flows
The steady-state accelerator quickens the approach to a steady-state solution. This is achieved by damping small-amplitude gravity and capillary surface waves, and is applicable only to free surface flows. You can find out more details on the FLOW-3D blog.
Sludge settling model
The new sludge settling model, a valuable addition for municipal applications and people who like to watch sludge simulations (who doesn’t?) enables users to model the solid waste dynamics in water treatment tanks and clarifiers. Unlike the drift-flux model, where the settling velocity is a function of the droplet size of the dispersed phase, with this model the settling velocity is a function of sludge concentration and can be input in both functional and tabular form.
Sediment scour model
The sediment transport and erosion model has been overhauled to enhance its accuracy and stability. In particular, the mass conservation for sediment species has been greatly improved.
You can see the sludge settling model at work in the video below.
Also, FLOW-3Dwill be showing a live webinar on April 4, 2019, to demonstrate its new release. You can register for it at this link.