Fluent and ICEM CFD Engineering have partnered to provide an up-front design tool for performing passenger comfort studies in automobiles. This easy-to-use application-specific tool, CABIN MODELER™, developed by ICEM CFD Engineering, allows FLUENT users to define and mesh the interior geometry of a sedan, minivan, or hatch-back (SUV) by simply defining dimensions on a parameterized template.

Through its parameterized approach, CABIN MODELER™ provides a quick and easy way to perform climate control studies in the absence of a CAD file. Parametric design studies varying not only compartment size, shape and angle, but also register locations, seat clearances and instrument panel details can be quickly performed throughout the design process to ensure optimized ventilation systems and identify potential design flaws long before prototypes are built or even detailed CAD data exists.

CABIN MODELER™ provides parameterized model building and automated meshing for FLUENT automotive climate control simulations

CABIN MODELER™ creates a tetrahedral volume mesh, with optional prism layers on wall surfaces. Meshing is fully automatic, with default meshing parameters tuned to the geometry, but with the ability of the user to override defaults and exert control. The mesh is saved in native FLUENT format and can be read directly into the FLUENT solver.

Beyond this, CABIN MODELER™ can be a valuable tool in the later stages of vehicle compartment design. As detailed CAD data becomes available, it can be used to facilitate the clean-up and meshing process by merging the actual CAD geometry (e.g. the dashboard) into the parameterized template, thus streamlining the process from CAD to analysis.

more.info@ cabinmodeler@fluent.com

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