For this new version of FloTHERM, user feedback played a key role. Mentor Graphics created a website designed to collect software enhancements and feature update suggestions from their user base. Users could then vote on the updates they felt were most important to see in the next FloTherm.
Mentor Graphics filled 40 user requests including parallel CFD solvers, the GUI, and the efficiency of large models within pre-processing, solving, and post-processing
The new parallel solver allows for scalability and use of multi-processors. This was the highest requested element; not surprising as it can make the software 2 to 3 and up to 14 times faster than before. Ir. Clemens Lasance, Philips Research Emeritus, noted that “The scale-up that has been achieved was at least a factor of four on my computer with a dual processor, reducing the solution time from six hours to one-and-a-half for a specific project requiring two million cells.”
Other advancements include:
· User interface capable of handling thousands of objects
· Model checking using query-based search functions & data columns integration with the model node tree
· New modeling objects which include racks of equipment or data center cooling devices
· Mesh-based parallel code coupling interface (MpCCI) support fluid structure interactions and multi-disciplinary analyses
Another interesting advancement is that model inputs can now vary by time or temperature during a simulation. This was created due to transient thermostatic control modeling functions. The function is especially useful in the electronics and computing industries to model power dissipation affected by internal temperatures and external stimuli.
Mentor Graphics’ product line director, Roland Feldhinkel, noted that “By providing an intuitive Windows-based GUI and advanced features, we are delivering a dynamic solution that will increase user productivity and enable the development of innovative products. This is truly the next generation of the world’s most popular electronics cooling solution.”
If you want to learn more, please see this FloTherm white paper.
Source Mentor Graphics