Solving the World’s Toughest CFD Problems

FLOW-3D POST 2023R2 release
FLOW-3D POST 2023R2 release

What's New in FLOW-3D POST 2023R2

New results file format

FLOW-3D POST 2023R2 introduces support for an all-new results file format based on the EXODUS II format, enabling faster postprocessing. This new file format significantly reduces the time spent on postprocessing tasks for large, complex simulations (up to 5x on average!) while improving connectivity with other visualization tools. With the new workflow, users can visualize large, complex cases quickly and extract auxiliary information using arbitrary slicing, volume renders, and statistics.

The new results file format boasts a remarkable speed-up in visualization workflows compared to flsgrf without sacrificing the performance of the hydr3d solver.

This exciting new development provides a seamless simulation experience with improved speed and flexibility in results analysis. 

Additionally, FLOW-3D POST 2023R2 is upgraded to the latest version of ParaView and brings the improvements associated with ParaView 5.11.1.

New visualization capabilities

Smooth arbitrary clips and slices

The EXODUS II file format allows users to generate smooth slices in any orientation, making it easier to visualize the flow exactly as you want to see it.

Arced weir simulation
Slices aligned with the flow direction over an arced weir. Note the smooth surface and streamlines from the Surface LIC representation

Better quantification of model outputs

The EXODUS II files are volumetric objects, making it easier to quantify characteristics of the flow. For example, in the casting solidification simulation shown below, the panel on the right shows how the porosity distribution in a casting can be described using histograms. Similarly, the contact tank example shows how the disinfectant and pathogen concentration distributions evolve over time, helping to show whether design requirements have been met.

Improved ray tracing

Ray tracing is a valuable tool for conveying results to technical and non-technical audiences alike, and the volumetric data available in the EXODUS II file format works well with this visualization method.
A bottle filling simulation using ray tracing
A bottle filling simulation demonstrating the exceptional ray tracing capability in FLOW-3D POST

Representing flow fields with Surface LIC

The new Surface LIC visualization tool helps you visualize the flow field, highlighting recirculation and dead zones where flow fronts come together, as well as the general transport of temperatures, contaminants, etc.
Surface LIC in FLOW-3D POST
Example of the new EXODUS II file format and Surface LIC representation in FLOW-3D POST

Animated streamlines

Animated streamlines help visualize details of the internal structures of the flow that can be difficult to see in standard views.

What's New in FLOW-3D POST 2023R1

FLOW-3D POST 2023R1 features an updated ParaView engine with native MP4 support, a streamlined Linux installer with automatic dependency testing for easy installation, and support for Windows 11 and RHEL 8.

Units display

Units are a key part of interpreting and communicating the results of engineering analyses. In FLOW-3D POST 2023R1, units are automatically read from the results file and set in the legend for spatial and history plots, making it easy to interpret and communicate simulation results.

FLOW-3D POST Units Display

Automatic PQ2 plots

FLOW-3D CAST has provided information about HPDC machine performance through PQ2 analysis for many years and we have now extended this capability to support visualization in FLOW-3D POST. The PQ2 information is automatically summarized in a pre-defined plot, so all you need to do is toggle the visibility of the plot to see how the machine is performing for the casting. An additional benefit is that you can also view the data vs. time to see when the pressure exceeds the machine capabilities.

automatic-pq2-plots-flow3d-post-2023r1

Particle visualization

We revisited how we display particles to make the interaction more intuitive and to make it easy to export the particles as an STL file for use in other applications or, in the case of FLOW-3D AM, as initial conditions for powder melting simulations. In FLOW-3D POST 2023R1 you can quickly show the physical size of the particle by using a scale factor of 1 and save the particles as an STL using the File > Save data option.

Particle visualization in FLOW-3D POST 2023R1

What's New in FLOW-3D POST 2022R1

FLOW-3D POST 2022R1 brings three important developments to FLOW-3D‘s postprocessor: streamlined 2D slicing, advanced automation with ParaView’s Python tools, and increased postprocessing rendering speed.

2D slicing functionality

The 2D slicing functionality has been expanded and streamlined, making it simpler to work with and more powerful. FLOW-3D POST users can now quickly generate 2D slices with representation of vectors on the sliced surface as well as multiple color variables. This 2-minute video provides an example of the new 2D slice feature.

Python tools

The addition of ParaView’s Python tools in 2022R1 expands the automation capabilities in FLOW-3D POST to include macros to automate repetitive actions, as well as batch postprocessing to generate entire sets of results with a single click. If you want to show specific or elaborate types of postprocessing, simulation after simulation, you will benefit immensely from these new features that allow you to standardize your output and automate your postprocessing tasks.

Batch postprocessing allows you to postprocess from the command line using a script or state file that predefines the postprocessing operations, facilitating the production of images and animations for multiple results files resulting from DOEs, parameter sweeps, or automated workflows. The batch script or state file can be applied to different results files or an entire workspace of simulation results files to generate the desired outputs for each case quickly and consistently. It can also be leveraged to produce a series of different visualization outputs for a single results file.

Access a 30-minute video tutorial on how to incorporate macros with PvBatch to easily automate and accelerate your postprocessing workflow on the Users Site.

Performance gains

We have also been working on postprocessing speed and FLOW-3D POST 2022R1 is usually 10%-30% faster than FLOW-3D POST v1.1, though exact speedup is dependent on the simulation and output details. A few examples on the right illustrate the performance gains.

Sample simulationSpeedup
Labyrinth weir1.3x
Bell housing casting1.14x
Fluid-structure interaction1.2x

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