Easier model for mixers
21 Sep 2006
Making CFD (computational fluid dynamics) more accessible for the non-expert engineer is the target for Fluent with the development of MixSim 2.1 — the latest version of the company's software product for analysis of mixing vessels.
Fluent describes MixSim as an interface that sits on top of its general purpose CFD code and limits the options on the interface to those of interest to engineers involved in simulating mixing vessels — rather than the full multitude of options given to users of the general code.
The new software also employs mixing-related terminology to ensure the interface is easy to use and to be understandable. This "massively simplifies the task of running a CFD analysis for those who may not be very familiar with the CFD set-up process," claims Fluent.
Set-up is also less complex and time-consuming than is standard for a CFD analysis, according to Edward Wynn, senior engineer in CFD, chemical process at Fluent Europe. MixSim, he said, includes an extensive library of impellers from major manufacturers that can be selected and included in the model to speed and simplify the configuration process.
"Once remaining internal components, fluids and process parameters (such as shaft speeds) have been inputted, the remainder of the simulation is automated by simply selecting the option to start the CFD simulation," Wynn explained. Engineers, he said, will also benefit from automation of the meshing — one of the most labour-intensive and complex tasks of a standard CFD simulation set up.
MixSim 2.1 includes a new hexcore meshing capability, which gives a much smaller mesh size to produce a quicker solution without losing any accuracy in the results.
Fluent describes MixSim as an interface that sits on top of its general purpose CFD code and limits the options on the interface to those of interest to engineers involved in simulating mixing vessels — rather than the full multitude of options given to users of the general code.
The new software also employs mixing-related terminology to ensure the interface is easy to use and to be understandable. This "massively simplifies the task of running a CFD analysis for those who may not be very familiar with the CFD set-up process," claims Fluent.
Set-up is also less complex and time-consuming than is standard for a CFD analysis, according to Edward Wynn, senior engineer in CFD, chemical process at Fluent Europe. MixSim, he said, includes an extensive library of impellers from major manufacturers that can be selected and included in the model to speed and simplify the configuration process.
"Once remaining internal components, fluids and process parameters (such as shaft speeds) have been inputted, the remainder of the simulation is automated by simply selecting the option to start the CFD simulation," Wynn explained. Engineers, he said, will also benefit from automation of the meshing — one of the most labour-intensive and complex tasks of a standard CFD simulation set up.
MixSim 2.1 includes a new hexcore meshing capability, which gives a much smaller mesh size to produce a quicker solution without losing any accuracy in the results.
