| By Marc Horner, Ashwini Kumar, Bhavin Desai, and Nilesh
Gandhi, Fluent Inc.
View the pdf of this article
Carotid bifurcation model courtesy of PBD, Inc.
FiDAP problem setup has now
been greatly simplified with
PreSTO (Problem Setup using
Template Option). PreSTO is a wizard-
like template that guides the user
through the problem setup process
in an easy and intuitive manner. FiDAP
and Fieldview (from Intelligent
Light) can both be launched directly
from the PreSTO environment.
PreSTO was designed and developed
by FiDAP technical support
engineers with the primary objectives
of eliminating common user errors
(such as neglecting to set certain material
properties or boundary conditions)
and shortening the learning curve
for new and occasional FiDAP users.
Experienced users can also benefit
by quickly creating a FiDAP input file
that can be further customized
outside of PreSTO, if desired. Even
FLUENT users will feel comfortable
in the PreSTO environment, since the
menu system has a similar look and
feel to the FLUENT graphical user
interface.
Most of FiDAP’s capabilities are accessible through PreSTO, including
such unique physical models as fluid-structure interaction (FSI), electrohydrodynamics
(EHD), arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) deforming mesh free surface,
and single fluid VOF. These advanced models can be combined with FiDAP’s
general-purpose capabilities, which include laminar or turbulent flow,
heat and species transport, and flow through porous media. Inputs required
for the advanced models are entered into single forms.
ALE free surface problem setup form
Fluid-structure interaction problem setup form
One of the main advantages of
PreSTO is that form content is
dynamic. This means that the panels
prompt the user for inputs that
are relevant to the problem at hand.
In addition, the physical models visible
to the user are a function of the
continuum/boundary types as defined
in GAMBIT. For example, free surface
modeling is only available if one or
more “SURFACE” boundaries were
assigned in GAMBIT. Dynamic form
content greatly reduces the number
of modeling options presented to the
user and streamlines the problem
setup process. Form navigation is further
improved using “Quick Links,”
which reduce the number of mouse
clicks by providing access to the next
panel with the press of a single button.
There is also a material database
that the user may access when entering
material properties.
PreSTO is available to all licensed
FiDAP users and can be downloaded
from the User Services Center
(www.fluentusers.com). The download
includes FAQs, installation
instructions, and seven tutorials. A
30-minute introductory video is
also available. This tool is available
at no charge to licensed FiDAP customers
for usage on an “as is” basis.
Fluent Inc. makes no commitment
to maintaining or improving this
template in the future, but revisions
and/or corrections are likely to be
posted on the USC periodically. For
more information, please contact your
FiDAP support engineer or Ashwini
Kumar in the Evanston office
(ak@fluent.com).
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