SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation CFD Post-Processing Tips & Tricks
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation CFD Post-Processing Tips & Tricks
Welcome to our exploration into the world of SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation post-processing. If you’re an advanced user looking to refine your flow simulation skills, this guide is for you. Following on from our previous webinar on pre-processing, we will delve into the intricate details of post-processing techniques that can help enhance your studies and ensure your results are not only accurate but also compelling.
Introduction to Post-Processing
This discussion is aimed at those who are already familiar with the basics of flow simulation and are looking to glean more from their studies. We will cover the nuances of solver operations, result evaluations, and the creation of visualizations to validate your predictions and assumptions.
The Assembly and Study Setup
We’ll be examining a thermal study centered around a transformer subjected to a 100-watt heat generation rate. Our aim is to predict and analyze the thermal effects on nearby components to prevent overheating. Understanding the importance of goal setting in simulation will be crucial here, as it helps the solver know when to continue and when to stop.
Set Goals for Precise Outcomes
Setting goals within your study is a fundamental step. You might, for instance, set global goals like maximum velocity or fluid temperature inside the domain to determine if the airflow has stabilized. Additionally, setting specific goals for critical components—like a transformer’s maximum temperature—provides targeted insights for particular areas of concern.
Solving and Monitoring Results
The solving phase includes assessing the solver’s progress using an info page and paying close attention to warnings, such as vortex-related alerts. By monitoring goal trends and employing preview plots, you can ensure the study is on track and free from unexpected issues.
Visualizing with Plots
Cut Plots: Indispensable for a sanity check, cut plots offer a clear temperature distribution view. You can modify transparency and overlay settings to highlight key areas.
Surface Plots: Particularly useful in thermal analyses, surface plots allow detailed examination of component temperatures. They can be adjusted for better visual clarity using color charts.
Flow Trajectories: These are excellent to visualize airflow patterns and potentially locate areas of recirculation. Start by selecting boundary conditions or components to create meaningful visual data.
Creating Transient Studies
At times, steady-state studies may not suffice. Turning a study transient can provide more dynamic insights. It’s crucial to set physical time parameters and ensure periodic results are saved for comprehensive analysis. Techniques like flow freezing can significantly speed up calculations by maintaining perceived airflow stability while solving for thermal changes.
Animations and Reporting
Animatics serve as a vivid depiction of changes over time. By leveraging the animation wizard, you can create engaging time-lapse graphics of your simulations. Reporting, on the other hand, consolidates your findings into an accessible format. Customize your report with images and detailed descriptions to communicate results effectively.
Conclusion
With these techniques, we hope you feel empowered to conduct more nuanced and revealing SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulations. Continue experimenting with these tips and feel free to share your experiences or seek advice in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more insightful content, and join us for live Q&A sessions or discussions in the comment section on our YouTube page.
In the world of engineering simulations, the ability to adapt your approach and fully utilize the tools at your disposal will set you apart. Let’s continue this journey into optimizing flow simulations together. Thank you for joining us!
Technical Support
Get help from our team by Calling us at 800-364-1652 x 2. You can also get assistance by clicking the Technical Support button or the Email Our Experts button below.
About the author
While Marcus has been a SOLIDWORKS Applications Expert with MLC CAD Systems in Oklahoma for over a decade, his knowledge extends into all product lines MLC offers. More than once, he has held the prestigious title of the world’s most certified SOLIDWORKS AE. He actively supports the user group community and is known for his improv comedy tips and tricks sessions. Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn to discuss your project.
