What's New in FLOW-3D (x) 2023R1
Postprocessing integration
When working with many simulations at a time, it is important to be able to quickly and easily access results. We have added several features to FLOW-3D (x) to make this possible. First, you now have a preview option that shows a saved image from the simulation when you hover over the control, allowing you to immediately see the result and decide if further analysis is needed.
The second addition is a direct connection to FLOW-3D POST so you can seamlessly open the result in our powerful postprocessor for further analysis. Similarly, there is a link to open the corresponding history folder if there are other outputs that you need, like an animation for a report.
The final improvement takes advantage of the power of batch postprocessing in FLOW-3D POST by allowing users to define full python files for use with PvBatch and PvPython. This allows you to write a python script for complex, multi-step postprocessing actions, like automatically looping over a list of variables and viewpoints to create a series of animations for each combination of a variable and viewpoint.
Population and plots
Another area of refinement is population management and corresponding plots. You can now make minor changes to the workflow – for example, to correct a formula, improve a calculation, or add an output – and the data for rows that have already been run will be retained so you do not need to re-run the analysis when doing a parameter study or DOE. Similarly, the plotting order has been refined to make it easier to access the data that you need.
Presets
Another significant new option is the ability to create Presets, which are predefined workflows with a simplified GUI, allowing you to, for example, simplify your own interaction with FLOW-3D (x), make standardized analyses, or make a CFD-based workflow accessible to non-specialist users. These workflows are custom-built for each customer, so contact us if you are interested.
What's New in FLOW-3D (x) 2022R1
FLOW-3D (x) 2022R1 marks a significant development upgrade to the workflow automation and design optimization capabilities of FLOW-3D (x). The development objectives for this release center around performance and improved user experience.
FLOW-3D (x) is a powerful, versatile, and intuitive connectivity and automation platform, which includes a native optimization engine specifically designed for CFD applications. Whether you want to automate running FLOW-3D models through a parameter sweep, extracting key data to create post-processing deliverables, or you want to run dedicated optimization projects, refining geometry from dynamically connect CAD models or by sweeping through flow conditions, FLOW-3D (x) has all the features needed to perform these tasks in a clear and efficient manner. Remote execution, running simulations in parallel, and fully integrated batch post-processing are some of the new features that make FLOW-3D (x) 2022R1 an integral tool for our FLOW-3D user community.
Performance
Parallel execution of FLOW-3D simulations for automation and optimization tasks
With 2022R1, FLOW-3D (x) can now run multiple FLOW-3D simulations in parallel. By evolving from serial to parallel execution, users can now make the most of available computational resources, vastly accelerating the time to completion of automated parameter sweeps and gaining valuable insight sooner.
Execution of FLOW-3D simulations on remote nodes
Hand-in-hand with the ability to execute FLOW-3D nodes in parallel, we recognized the need to be able to make the most efficient use of computational resources that might be remote and distributed across multiple workstations on a network. With FLOW-3D (x) 2022R1, users can define execution nodes as remote nodes. Users can decide which nodes, local or remote, to run FLOW-3D executions in order to best make use of their computational resources.
Full integration with FLOW-3D POST and Python automation
Automated post-processing using FLOW-3D POST state files is now fully integrated into the workflow automation supported by FLOW-3D (x). The latest release of FLOW-3D POST 2022R1 allows users to create macros, state files, and Python-driven advanced batch automation. These advanced post-processing features are integrated into the FLOW-3D (x) 2022R1 release under a dedicated post-processing node, as well as under dedicated Python script execution nodes.
User experience
Streamlined definition of optimization targets
A simplified definition of optimization targets has been added, allowing users to directly define targets rather than having to define a minimization goal.
Streamlined layout of user interface
Based on user feedback from the original release of FLOW-3D (x), the user interface now delivers a clear, intuitive experience even for large, complex optimization projects. Superior clarity of node and workflow definitions, improved layout optimization tasks and population selection, and dedicated nodes for all FLOW-3D products are some of the improvements delivered in this release.
Data analysis and plot formatting upgrades
In keeping with efforts to streamline FLOW-3D (x) model setup and execution for the user, the data analytics graphical representation widget allows for clear, simple access to the most important data from your project simulations. Plot definition has been simplified and plot formatting improved. A new type of chart allows filtered data to be exported as text and images at custom resolution.
