Letter from the Editor

It's party time at Flow Science. Version 8.0 of FLOW-3D, which is the subject of this Newsletter, has been released. What is most exciting about this new version its its incorporation of a major development in computational gridding. Instead of a single block, as in previous version of FLOW-3D, a grid can now consist of a set of blocks. These blocks may be connected at their boundaries, which make it easier to define "rangy" flow regions. Additionally, blocks may also be nested in large blocks, so that higher resolution can be given to selected localized regions.

The multi-block capability is not the only new feature in Version 8.0. Several major physical model developments are described in the following articles. Also, there is a completely new version of the FLOW-VU program for three-dimensional displays. Based on the OpenGL API, the new program has improved speed, transparent surfaces, adjustable light sources, and lots of additional functionalities.

We hope readers will joining our "block party" and find our Version 8.0 opens up entirely new possibilities for simulation.

Your editor,

Tony Hirt