First frequently asked questions

Actually all FlowVision licenses have floating capability and no extra fees are charged for this. Once you register a license with various capabilities, any computer connected license manager can borrow license properties

Any FlowVision license should basically contain following information:

• Number of Pre/Post-Processors
• Number of Solvers (to be Run Simultaneously)
• Number of Parallel Processes (Total Number of Cores to Distribute among Solvers)
• Physical Modules

Link: License information

Number of PPP determines the number of simultaneous users who are preparing simulation models. Therefore, you should be specifying how many team members would be involved in preparation of CFD models.

Link: License information

Number of solvers determines the number of simultaneous solver runs and these solvers can be run on any number of different processor cores each time. At any instance, total number of cores on which various solvers are run cannot exceed number of parallel processes. Therefore, you should be specifying how much computation power you would need and how many parallel runs would be expected.

Link: License information

Depending on your specific requirements, you can select whether to involve the following physical modules:

• Turbulence Models
• Multi-Phase Models
• Disperse Phase Transfer (including Porosity)
• Moving Bodies
• Gap (Clearance) Modeling
• Radiation Heat Transfer
• Sliding Mesh
• Combustion
• EHD (Electro-Hydro Dynamics)
• MPM (Multi Physics Manager) (ABAQUS Direct Coupling)

Yes. You can also use the settings and folders from the previous version.
You may use the several version simultaneously.

Link: Instalation of FlowVision 

Yes. You may use the several version simultaneously. However running multiple solvers depends on your license configuration.

There are academic, commercial and evaluation type of licenses which are also divided as annual and perpetual licenses on the time basis. Please ask your local reseller if you have different time period requests.

Yes. To do that.
But the license has a two time periods:

•  “Valid until “ - The date until which the license is valid. If that perion are expired you cannot open the project on PPP and cannot run the solver. Need to request new license  to your local reseller
•  “Support until” – The date until which the technical support is provided. If that perion are expired but the    “Valid until “ period are  active  you may use the FlowVison version which release date isn’t  later  “Support until” date. If release version FV date is later you cannot use current license for this version FlowVision/ Need to request new license  to your local reseller or use the elder version FlowVision.

Link: License information

You can install each module (PPP, LM, SA) in any computer you prefer which can even all be separate machines. Then, you can install one or more LM in any computers and each module can look for license in the LM you prefer.

Link: Variants of FlowVision's deployment

Need to install License manager on computer which will be license server. Run the License manager and generate *.rdb file (get registration info)
Send this *.rdb file to your local reseller which will generate new license and send you *.lic file.  After that need to register license using the *.lic file

Links: Operations with license; Video: FlowVision CFD How to Get Registration info

The License are used by PPP and Solver (to specify IP, Port of License machine and license name into the settings PPP and Solver) .
Also, for register a new user on Solver-Agent need to specify the License name and password (from *.txt  file with license)

You may use Viewer. This module doesn’t require the License.
For this need to use the Terminal: run the Solver, upload the project, connect to the solver by Viewer.
But here you may view the layers and characteristics which created in PPP befor  (cannot create a new)
Also, during the calculation the layers can be saved to *.fvvis files which you may open in Viewer.

Link: Viewer

You can model primitives such as box, cone, frustum of cone, cylinder, cone/cylinder ring, prism, sphere etc.

Link: Objects

Yes. It is a needed operation for successful work.  You can use ‘Check geometry for self-intersections.’ FlowVision is extremely accurate in detecting geometry related problems. The problematic parts are highlighted in Postprocessor tree

Link: Checking a geometry model of computational domain and moving bodies for self-intersections

No. You can only detect CAD problems with FlowVision. However, you can use Capvidia’s 3DTransVidia to translate, repair and heal CAD geometry.
But If found the self-intersections need to check following:

• check the size of geometry (it should be in meters) : Region > Information > Dimensions > Size
• check the tolerance for computation geometry. Recommends set <0.01*Minimal edge (default value = 1e-8  - not change if  geometry don't have a problems):  Region > Information > Dimensions > Size > Tolerance
• "remove too small cells" and “fix self-intersections”
• and after that ‘Check geometry for self-intersections’ again. If those steps don’t help need to repair and heal CAD geometry

Links: Self-intersections of surfaces and their correction;  Removal of too-small facets

Most CFD meshers work on the principle of dividing edges, surfaces and finally volumes into pieces and these divisions are based on linear geometric features. Therefore, resolution of CAD boundaries depend on number of divisions of the original CAD elements and boundary conditions are assigned to final mesh elements which are, intrinsically, simplified versions of CAD geometries. On the other hand, FlowVision applies SGGR (Sub Grid Geometry Resolution) technology where CAD surfaces are kept originally and grid elements are cut depending on curvilinear CAD boundaries. Resultantly, resolution of CAD boundaries is always the same with original CAD geometry and boundary conditions are assigned to original CAD surfaces. In FlowVision, grid resolution determines only solution accuracy, not accuracy of CAD preservation.

Link: Subgrid geometric computation region model resolution

Yes. Standard Substance Database contains majority of the mostly used substances used in CFD simulations

Yes. You can reach the substance information using fv-module ‘Substance Database Editor’.

Link: Substance Database Editor

The folder ‘Database’ is write-protected which located into the FlowVision installation folder under ‘Program Files’ directory.
But you may copy this database folder another place and change properties or create new substance.
Also you may create the new database for new own substances
If you have any further questions about changing the properties in instalation DB, please consult FV Technical Support Team (support@fv-tech.com).

If you have own fv-database need to specify the directories for it into the PPP Preference (PPP > File > Preferences > User database > Directories)
After that into the substance context menu  ‘Load from SD’ you may choose the needed Database

Links: Group of settings "User databases";  Operations with Substances

Yes. You can create new user database and new user substances which is reachable using the fv-module ‘Substance Database Editor’.
But if the substance with specific properties is created in PPP you cannot export it in DB or load to the other project.

Yes. Non-Newtonian fluid motion can be included in the simulations through Preprocessor/Phases/(Preferred Phase)/Physical processes/Motion: Non-Newtonian fluid

In FlowVision, grid generation starts with formation of initial Cartesian grid which is built in seconds. Having the initial grid, computations can be started and SGGR technology automatically works for fitting grid elements to region and object boundaries. Additionally, grid elements can be locally adapted with respect to geometric features, virtual geometries and solution gradients / results.

The simplest way to define initial grid sizes is to enter number of divisions in each axis which results in homogenously sized elements. However, for most of problems, initial grid editor and alternative initial grid editor is utilized to define size distributions of elements with various growth rates.

Firstly, all boundaries are natural sources of adaptation since boundary condition settings allow for adaptation with strata and boundary layer meshes. Additionally, you can adapt grid elements in any section of computational domain where there are no boundaries. For this purpose, you can either use simple geometric shapes created in FlowVision or import any arbitrary shape formed in a CAD software. Once you import a CAD file into FlowVision, you can define surfaces and/or volume of this geometry as an adaptation marker.

Link: Adaptation

Any solution variable including but not limited to pressure, temperature and velocity can be selected and criterion for adaptation may be defined as either specific values of gradients of these variables. Any number of variables and criteria can simultaneously be included in a simulation and user can specify influence weights of each.

Links: Adaptation to solution; Video: FlowVision CFD Meshing Technology 

No. FlowVision has real-time adaptation feature. Solution based adaptation is carried on during the course of simulation and user can monitor adapted and updated computational grid in each time step.

Users are not required to configure FlowVision grid to resolve moving bodies and surfaces. Thanks to SGGR technology; whenever a body changes its location between adjacent time steps, initial grid elements are re-cut and pre-defined adaptations are performed automatically in the region of moving bodies. Therefore, users can easily define moving bodies or prepare models with free surfaces and FlowVision would automatically updates grid elements around these surfaces.

• Skew & Non-Skew Schemes
• Implicit & Explicit Pressure – Velocity Splitting Methods
• First & Second Order Advection Schemes

Yes, FlowVision utilizes implicit standard (transient) and steady-state time integration methods. Steady-state time integration differentiates from standard version by discarding enthalpy change with respect to time in energy equation for solids and by discarding enthalpy and pressure change with respect to time in energy equation for liquids.

FlowVision Pre/Post-Processor is main module for both pre and post processing. Additionally, you can attach FV-Viewer module to any running solvers to monitor existing results and visuals.

(accordion-ex title="Do I have to stop simulation and save results in prior to investigating results?" class="icon"}

No, while FlowVision solver is running, you may connect to solver via Pre/Post-Processor and create layers which would be updated at the end of current time step. So, most of post-processing activities can be performed during the course of simulation and it allows user to have a detailed control over the results of an ongoing project.

Yes, by using Formula Editor, any variable in FlowVision can be parametrically defined as a function of other variables, as a function of time, etc. All such formulas can be entered through a very easy Formula Editor interface without any need for coding experience.

Operators available in FlowVision Formula Editor consist of but not limited to standard mathematical expressions like summation, subtraction, trigonometric operators and logical operators.

Yes, in FlowVision, you can create user variables which can be defined as constants, tabulated data or functions compiled via Formula Editor. You can define a user variable as a function of one or more variables obtained throughout the calculations and monitor them as values and plots.

Conduction, convection, combustion and radiation in fluids, conduction in solids and conjugate heat transfer modules are available in FlowVision.

No. You can switch on/of energy equation in each sub-region independently.

Yes. You can define independent time steps for each of the physical phenomena through Preprocessor/Phases/(Preferred Phase)/Physical processes/(Desired Physical Process)/Time Step Coefficient. Note that time step of a specific process is equal to multiplication of global time step and time step coefficient.

• Laminar
• KES (Standard k-ε Model)
• KEAKN (Low-Reynolds k- ε Model of Abe, Kondoh, Nagano)
• KEFV (k-ε Model FlowVision)
• KEQ (Quadratic k-ε Model)
• SST (Shear Stress Transport k- ε Model)
• SA (Spalart-Allmaras Model)
• Sm (Algebraic Smagorinsky Model)

Link: Turbulence models

You can either turn off wall functions in the presence of very fine grid close to the wall. Otherwise, equilibrium and non-equilibrium wall functions can be preferred where latter is more suitable for flows with small y+ values. Additionally, switching on/off and selection of wall functions is specific to each wall and defined independently for each boundary condition.

Link: Wall function and Turbulence models

In most CFD solutions, wall functions work uncertainly when y+ < 30 whereas in FlowVision 3.x.x; wall functions are applicable when y+ > 5.

Link: Wall function and Turbulence models

In FlowVision, there is a sort of modeling chain consisting of substances, phases, models and sub-regions, respectively. You should first import any number of substances you intend to use in the simulation. Then, phase(s) are created where there can be only one or more than one phase and into each phase you can add one or more substances. If there is more than one substance in a phase, it implies mass transfer. Following that, model(s) are created where there can be only one or more than one model and into each model you can add one or more phases. If there is more than one phase in a model, it implies phase transfer. Finally, you divide your geometry into one or more sub-regions by noting that only conjugate heat transfer can be calculated between two sub-regions and apart from that, each sub-region is independently solved. At the end, you should assign a model to each sub-region and note that one model can be assigned to any number of sub-regions but only one model can be assigned to a sub-region. Now, starting from the beginning, you can follow the chain in any special way specific to your problem.

Link: Models of single-phase and two-phase mediums

Yes. FlowVision is highly capable of simulating multi-phase flows which are including but not limited to the sub-topics listed below:

• Mass & Phase Transfer
• Free Surface Flows
• Mixed Flows
• Dispersed Phase / Particle Flows
• Reacting Flows & Combustion

(Please consult FV Technical Support Team for your specific case.)

• Moving Reference Frame (MRF)
• Sliding Mesh
• Actually Translating / Rotating Bodies
• Fluid Induced Motion
• Motion Induced by Artificial Forces

No. You should just assign any object as Modifier/Moving Body and define properties of motion. FlowVision sub-grid technology will simply handle your case. Please refer to FV documentation related to moving bodies and turbomachines.

Yes. Any water-proof modeled geometry can be defined as a moving body. Imported objects are directly available under Modifier / Moving Body list. If you have created a geometry in FlowVision, initially ‘Copy as imported object’ in order to make it available.

No. FlowVision’s sub-grid technology considers only the volume of the computational region and whatever exists out of the region borders is insignificant. Even if the body is rotating and resultantly the portion which remains outside changes with time, your simulation is still not interrupted. At each time step, only the portion remaining in the control volume is taken into consideration.
But need to take into account that all mass characteristics of moving body will be apply to the part of body which located in the computational region

No. FlowVision assumes the geometrical center of the imported bodies as their centers of inertia and this is presented under Proprocessor/Objects/(Preferred Object)/Properties Window/Information/Dimensions/Center. However in Moving Body menu, you can either prefer ‘Use Center of Inertia’ or enter the ‘Center of Rotation’ you require.

You can integrate FlowVision with all FEA software but only in the case of ABAQUS integration, there is no need for a 3rd party integration software such as MpCCI. In this case, user can easily configure coupling settings through FlowVision MPM (Multi-Physics Manager) and run even 2 way coupled FSI simulations without extensive IT knowledge and application.

Link: FSI simulation. Using of MPM

The simplest way of data exchange is to export loadings at an instant from FlowVision and import into an FEA code which does not include coupling of software. Secondly, real time one way coupling can be performed where, for example, pressure distribution resulting from a transient flow field can be transferred to FEA software at each time step but deformed CAD boundaries are not imported back to FlowVision. This would result in limited accuracy but significantly decreases computational costs. Finally, 2-way coupling between FlowVision and FEA software can be done where required fluid property distributions are transferred to FEA software and deformed CAD boundaries are transferred back to FlowVision. This transfer mechanism can be realized at every preferred number of time steps or simulation seconds.

Link: FSI simulation. Using of MPM

• Power Law for Viscosity
• Bird-Carreau Law for Viscosity
• Herschel-Bulkley Model

 Link: Non-Newtonian fluid model

No, FlowVision solver is capable of simulating subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flows which involves flow regimes between Mach ≈ 0 to Mach >> 1.

Link: Solutions

No, FlowVision’s general Navier-Stokes solver is capable of recognizing different flow regimes and calculation algorithms are updated automatically depending on location based flow characteristics. Since the recognition and application process is automatic, users are not expected to make special configurations and preferences before beginning such a simulation. But take to account that some boundary condition work differently if M<1 or M>1

Yes, you can define any arbitrary geometry or a sub-region as porous media and specify magnitude of porosity by means of resistance coefficients. Porous resistance can either be isotropic or anisotropic.

Links: Resistance and Anisotropic resistance

Yes, you can use Free Outlet boundary condition where pressure can be specified as pressure at porous surface. In this case, a user-defined hydraulic resistance is applied to the flow through the given boundary. To use this boundary condition, user should define static pressure, permeability, inertia coefficient and virtual thickness of porous boundary.

Link: Boundary conditions

FlowVision has a unique Gap Model which has been empirically verified with high accuracy. Once it is activated, user specifies the dimension interval to be considered as gap and during the simulation, FlowVision automatically detects these regions. In these regions, a source term representing the physics in the gap is added to momentum equation and user can do the simulation in the regular manner.

Link: Gap model

You don’t need to resolve these very small gap regions with mesh elements which is already very difficult to do. Instead, you can continue using regular sized elements also in the regions where clearances exist. FlowVision Gap Model will identify these regions and update the solution algorithm automatically.

No, Gap Model would only slightly increase computational cost but this increase is incomparably small with respect to the potential increase in computational cost when these regions are to be resolved with grid elements.