If you have been involved in large academic or industrial engineering projects, you are probably familiar with CFD simulation, and if you have ever tried to learn CFD, you are probably familiar with ANSYS Fluent. In this article, we will review Fluent’s features, review its history, and see what can be done with this software. Finally, you will see why ANSYS Fluent is the choice of engineers.
History of ANSYS Fluent
Fluent founded in the 80s by Fluent Inc. it was established at a time when the abilities of simulating software were very limited, and many people did not have access to computers. Initially, only 2D simulation was possible. In the 90s, this software developed significantly, adding 3D simulation capabilities and making substantial advancements in the simulation of turbulent flows and multiphase flows. To date, this software has become very popular among engineers and is used in large projects. Due to its outstanding performance, Fluent was purchased by ANSYS in 2006.
With the resources of ANSYS to further develop Fluent, the software’s growth accelerated, and its integration with other ANSYS software packages increased its popularity. In addition to advancements in simulation, Fluent has made significant progress in High-Performance Computing and Cloud Computing. In recent years, there have been many efforts to enhance user experience and incorporate AI into simulations.
What is ANSYS Fluent?
ANSYS Fluent is outstanding software for CFD simulations. This software simulates advanced fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. Here, we examine the different features of this software.
Finite Volume Method (FVM)
In Fluent, the equations are discretized based on the FVM method. This work makes the equations of continuity, momentum, and energy in each control volume (cell) to be satisfied with high accuracy, that’s why FVM is a suitable method for CFD. This method is compatible with complex meshes and boundary conditions.
Comprehensive Physics Modeling
There is no branch of CFD simulation that cannot be simulated with Fluent. Whether the flow is turbulent or laminar, compressible or incompressible, subsonic or supersonic, Newtonian or non-Newtonian, viscous or inviscid, single-phase or multi-phase, or even a combination of the most complex of these, Fluent handles it well.
User-Friendly Interface
ANSYS Fluent software is very easy to adjust. The interface of this software is user-friendly, allowing users to learn it easily. Although working with Fluent is straightforward, simulation requires a lot of knowledge. While accessing the settings is simple, knowing the correct settings is not.
ANSYS Fluent is designed to be very user-friendly. On the left side of the main screen, the required simulation settings are arranged step by step, which the user adjust in order.
Combination and Connection with Other Software
Additional software is required for geometry modeling, meshing and post-processing in the simulation process, as Fluent alone is not sufficient. You can use other tools of ANSYS package or other software. Fluent is compatible with receiving and transferring data to other software.
Advanced Solver Technology
It is possible to choose a CFD simulation solution with different algorithms in Fluent. Fluent’s developers are prominent and well-known engineers and programmers, and its solver technology is very advanced and optimized. It is enough to simulate a problem with Fluent and similar software to understand the advantages of Fluent.
Learning ANSYS Fluent
Many tutorials and training books are provided by ANSYS itself, universities, various educational sites, and different companies. You can find many training videos for free on YouTube or by paying a subscription fee on various platforms. Depending on your taste and level, different sources may be suitable for you.
The Fluent forum and community are large and active, and you can seek help from them. Remember, you will not learn this software without completing Fluent projects from start to finish. You can find ANSYS Fluent projects for beginners with a simple search.
ANSYS Fluent Applications
Fluent simulation is used for any phenomenon that involves fluid flow or heat transfer. For example:
Aerospace Engineering
Fluent is used to study fluid flow on objects. For example, to calculate the drag and lift force caused by the fluid flow on the airfoil, many projects have been done with ANSYS Fluent.
Click to access the CFD Aerospace
Automotive Engineering
Fluent is used to simulate the airflow around a car to calculate the drag force and find ways to reduce it, as reducing the drag force also decreases fuel consumption. Another application of Fluent is to study the air transfer process, its mixing with fuel, and combustion, which plays an important role in the efficiency of the car.
Velocity contour for fluid flow on the vehicle, simulated in ANSYS Fluent. Adopter from “Flow Around a Vehicle Aerodynamics CFD Simulation”
Civil Engineering
The flow of wind around huge structures, like suspension bridges and skyscrapers, can cause vibrations that may lead to undesirable noise and, in some cases, structural damage. This effect can be analyzed using ANSYS Fluent alongside ANSYS Mechanical in simulations that explore fluid-structure interactions.
Air streamlines around multiple buildings. Simulated in ANSYS Fluent. Adopted from “Aeroacoustics Analysis on Building Using FW-H Model”
Biomedical Engineering
ANSYS Fluent is used to design various medical devices such as dialysis machines. Also, ANSYS Fluent CFD simulations are used to study the behavior of human body fluids, such as drug delivery, and how fat accumulates inside the vein.
Click to access the CFD in biomedical engineering
HVAC
All HVAC can be simulated with high accuracy with Fluent. HVACs work based on fluid motion and heat transfer, which study their design and optimization with ANSYS Fluent CFD simulations.
Click to access the HVAC CFD
Conclusion
ANSYS Fluent is CFD simulation software. This software has been in development for a long time and all phenomena related to fluid flow and heat transfer can be simulated with it.
We at CFDLAND have done many projects using ANSYS Fluent. Our CFD experts are fully proficient in using ANSYS Fluent. With confidence in the quality of our work, order ANSYS Fluent CFD Projects to CFDLAND.
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