Nastran Flow Mt15024

NX Flow Analysis
Student Guide
December 2009
MT15024 NX 7
Publication Number
mt15024 NX 7
Proprietary and restricted rights notice
This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
2009 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
All trademarks belong to their respective holders.
2 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Contents
Course overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How to use this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Product overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Simulation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Access the application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Fluid volume creation and meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

The fluid volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Creating the fluid volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Meshing techniques for NX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Automatic fluid mesh generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Obstructions in the Fluid Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Fluid Domain simulation object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Boundary layer mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Mesh size and turbulence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Fluid Domain mesh quality options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Meshing requirements for solver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Meshing and material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

0D and 1D meshing and meshing controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
2D Meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3D Meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
General mesh settings and options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Create or modify a mesh manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Basic meshing guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Coincident nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Mesh mating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Mesh mating condition types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Check the quality of your mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Threshold values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Mesh collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
NX Flow Analysis 3
Contents
Fluid material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Material list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Material library manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
PAX files and templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
PAX files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Assembly FEMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Assembly FEM types and creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Assembly FEM procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Computational fluid dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Fluid Dynamics review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Equations of fluid dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Modeling fluid dynamics problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Element types supported by the flow solver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Reynolds number and flow characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Flow regimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Flow initial conditions and boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Modifying global initial conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Thermal Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Temperature constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Apply local initial conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Apply flow boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Flow boundary conditions magnitude modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Inlet or Outlet BC procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Opening BC procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Internal Fan BC procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Recirculation Loop BC Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Modeling louvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Modeling fan swirl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Spatially varying parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Planar Head Loss modeling object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Flow surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Flow surface modeling tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Flow blockages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

Contents
3D flow convection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Global convection properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Local convection properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Convection Properties modeling object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Wall friction and 2D element sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Symmetry plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Lift and drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Flow solution options and solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
NX Flow solver capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

NX Flow algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
The multigrid method in the flow solver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Solving a flow analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
3D Flow Solution options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Buoyancy modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Modifying solver parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Defining a Time Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Flow solver parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
The Solution Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
The Solution Monitor information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-18
The Solution Monitor graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
NX Flow post-processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Advanced Simulation post processing generalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

To view results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Generating results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Refresh results and reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Display options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Cutting plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Markers and Identify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Arrow plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Streamline plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Iso-Surface plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Creating graphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Final Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Importing and post processing results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
NX Flow Analysis 5
Contents

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Duct flow networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Duct flows networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Duct analysis workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Duct networks and heat transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Duct analysis considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Duct flow boundary condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Fluid network calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Non-Newtonian flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Viscosity and Newtonian fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Non-Newtonian fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Non-Newtonian fluid models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Define a Non-Newtonian Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Periodic flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Periodic flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Periodic boundary condition requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Set a Periodic Boundary Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Moving frames of reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Moving frames of reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Applications of rotating frames of reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Moving frame of reference equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Set a Moving Frame of Reference simulation object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
High speed flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Compressible flow review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Supersonic flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
High speed flow options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Define a Supersonic Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7

Contents

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-9
Turbulent flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

Turbulent flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Nature of turbulent flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Turbulence Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Turbulence modeling in NX Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Reynolds stresses and the closure problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Turbulent boundary layer near the wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Boundary layer modeling and wall functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Limitations of the wall function and near wall models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9
Available turbulence models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Fixed viscosity turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11
Mixing length turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
k- turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
k-w turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Shear stress transport turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Setting a turbulence model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Setting wall functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17
Setting turbulence initial and boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-18
Setting turbulence initial and boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-21
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Humidity overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Gas mixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
Modeling humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Define Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-9
Particle tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1

Particle tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2
Particle tracking equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
Turbulent particle motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
Set up a particle tracking simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-5
Particle tracking solver parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-8
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-10
NX Flow Analysis 7
Contents
Flow mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1

Mapping overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
Set up a mapping solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
Mapping zones in the source model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-5
Zone association in target model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
Optional output formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7
Loading pressures mapping results in NX Nastran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-8
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-9
Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-10
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-11

Course overview
The NX Flow Analysis course introduces product simulation and analysis

in NX for flow applications.
It is intended for design engineers and analysts who want to learn how to
analyze specific cases of flow models in NX.
This course covers basic and advanced flow topics such as turbulence models,
rotating frames of reference, humidity, condensation, and others.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) and computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) principles.
NX Advanced Simulation Processes class.
How to use this guide

This guide is divided into presentations and activities.
The activities illustrate the concepts presented by the instructor.
Some activities are part of wider projects, however all activities can be
done independently.
It is important that you use the Student Guide and Activities in the sequence
presented. Later lessons assume you have learned concepts and techniques
taught in earlier lessons. If necessary, you can always refer to any previous
activity where a method or technique was originally taught.
NX Flow Analysis 9
Lesson
1 Introduction
Purpose
This lesson explains the analysis capabilities of NX Flow within the product
design life cycle.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

State the solver capabilities of NX Flow.
Understand how NX Flow fits within the Advanced Simulation

environment.
NX Flow Analysis 1-1

Introduction
Product overview
NX Advanced Simulation is a comprehensive simulation and optimization
product that includes a full suite of pre-processing and post-processing tools.
NX Flow is an Advanced Simulation application you can use to model fluid
flow in any product or device.
Use NX Flow to:
Resolve flow engineering challenges in the early design process.
Perform flow analyses in steady state or transient conditions.
Model fluid flow patterns, turbulence, lift, drag, buoyancy, non-newtonian

fluids, turbomachinery, boundary layer effects, and others.
Model fluid structure interaction by mapping flow results to a structural

solver.
1-2 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Introduction
Simulation process
Step 1: Create or import a geometry using NX. Define the problem in
terms of boundary conditions and result types.
Step 2: Create the FEM and Simulation files and select solution type.
Step 3: Simplify the geometry in the idealized part and create fluid
volumes where needed.
Step 4: Mesh solids and fluid volumes considering the type of analysis and
available resources, then specify physical and material properties
to all mesh collectors.
Step 5: Apply boundary conditions.
Step 6: Review and modify solution options and solver parameters

according to each model. Define steady state or transient time
parameters and solve the model.
Step 7: Post process your results and prepare a report.

Introduction
Access the application

To start NX Flow, open a part file in NX, and do the following:
1. Choose StartAdvanced Simulation.
2. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the part and choose New FEM
and Simulation.
3. In the New FEM and Simulation dialog box, select Solver: NX

THERMAL/FLOW, select an Analysis Type, and click OK.
4. In the Create Solution dialog box, select a Solution Type. Click OK.

Introduction
Summary
In this lesson, you:
Stated the solver capabilities of NX Flow.
Understood how NX Flow fits within the Advanced Simulation

environment.

Lesson
2 Fluid volume creation and

meshing
Purpose
This lesson illustrates the creation of fluid volumes.
Objectives
Describe and use the various techniques available to create fluid volumes.
Describe the meshing techniques used in NX Flow for volumes of fluids.
Create fluid surface meshes and boundary layer meshes.

Fluid volume creation and meshing
The fluid volume

The fluid volume represents the space around solid bodies and inside cavities
containing the fluid.
Depending on the model being analyzed you will have to:
1. Define the fluid volume contour.
Create an external enclosing volume, and/or
Extract the internal cavities
2. Subtract internal obstructions

Use manual boolean operations, and/or
Specify which volumes to consider for the automatic mesher.
3. Mesh the fluid volume

Use standard meshing tools, and/or
Use a Fluid Domain simulation object to create an automatic mesh.
Artery model
Fluid volume

Creating the fluid volume

NX Flow has various tools you can use to create a fluid volume:
For simple geometries you can generate the fluid volume with feature
tools such as Extrude and/or Revolve .
Use boolean operations like Unite , Subtract , and Intersect

to include the obstructions and obtain the extracted fluid volume .
Use the WAVE Geometry Linker and Synchronous Modeling

tools to modify, copy, and extract the fluid volume from imported geometry
with or without history.
The WAVE Geometry Linker associatively links geometry from

another component part in an assembly into the working part. If
you modify the parent geometry, the linked geometry in other parts
updates also.
Use the Delete Face and Move Face commands to remove

or modify details from a solid by omitting faces. If used properly, the
software is able to extend surrounding faces to heal the wound in the
regions where you removed faces.
Delete Face helps you to create a solid representing the internal

volume of a part or the fluid volume by removing external faces and
retaining internal faces. You can also remove details such as holes and
blends to simplify the model for the analysis.

Copied body
Extracted fluid volume
CFD Solution and original body

Meshing techniques for NX

The flow solver supports two distinct techniques for creating meshes for CFD
analysis.
Generate a solid body representing the fluid volume which you then mesh
using the standard NX meshing tools.
Advantages Disadvantages
Mesh created in FEM file. You must create a solid body
representing the fluid volume.
Extensive meshing tools to
modify the mesh. Boundary layer mesh are difficult
to define.
Extensive native NX mesh
display options.
Use Fluid Domain simulation object to let the flow solver automatically
mesh the fluid volumes during the solve.
Advantages Disadvantages
Automatically detects To view the mesh you must write
obstructions in the fluid volume a solver input file using Solve.
and mesh around them.
You cannot manually modify the
The solver can create boundary mesh.
layer meshes.
Limited control over mesh size.
The solver can use the idealized
part, CAD geometry, or another
mesh to define the fluid volume
region.
Ideal for complex geometry.

Automatic fluid mesh generation

Typically CFD analysts inherit complex models with CAD geometry of
multiple assemblies, but not the fluid domain as a part.
To avoid creating a fluid mesh manually, you can use a Flow Domain
simulation object.
The Fluid Domain simulation object takes an enclosing volume and
automatically subtracts the geometry inside it (volumes and meshes).
You can define:
Volumes to mesh and volumes to exclude.
Fluid material and mesh size.
Fluid surface mesh for boundary layer meshes.

Example
Casing with vents and fan openings enclosing the printed circuit
assembly.
Solid meshed and unmeshed polygon bodies both included in the

mesh created automatically using the Fluid Domain simulation object.
Solved analysis showing the velocity of the fluid, where the flow
surrounds both mesh and polygon bodies.


Obstructions in the Fluid Domain

A fluid domain mesh must be created in:
Any number of bodies available from the Idealized or Master Part, or
Any number of non-intersecting Polygon Geometry bodies.

Note
Choose which source to use from the Source of Domain Geometry list
on the 3D Flow page of the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog box.
Obstructions are geometric entities (2D sheets or 3D solid bodies) that

intersect the fluid volume by occupying some part of its interior space.
When the flow solver starts meshing the fluid volume, it automatically
searches for enclosed or partially enclosed bodies. Then meshes around
these obstructions.
The mesh is automatically updated at run time if you modify the geometry
of the obstruction.
Fluid volume
Obstruction
To understand how partially intersecting bodies, intersecting faces, and other

special cases are interpreted by the software, see:
NX Thermal and Flow Boundary Conditions Solver-Specific Simulation
Objects NX Thermal and Flow, NX Electronic Systems Cooling, and NX
Space Systems Thermal Simulation Objects Fluid Domain Creating
geometry for Fluid Domain meshing in the Advanced Simulation online Help.


Fluid Domain simulation object
Fluid Domain
Types
The Fluid Mesh type defines a 3D mesh for the fluid volume.
The Fluid Surface Mesh type modifies a Fluid Domain definition by

defining:
Local surface mesh density.
Boundary layer mesh parameters.
Note
You can view the fluid meshing process log file (tmgmesh.log) with a
text editor. The file is stored in the directory where your simulation
files is stored.


Activity
Meshing a complex air volume using flow domains
You copy and simplify the geometry to create a part that is later meshed
through a Fluid Domain simulation object.
The solver input file is written and the mesh obtained is then
post-processed.

Boundary layer mesh

You can use a Fluid Surface Mesh type of the Fluid Domain simulation object
to obtain boundary layers by selecting Create Boundary Layer Mesh check
box.
The boundary layer mesh is one or more layers of 3D wedge elements
extruded from a temporary triangular mesh created on a surface.
The 3D elements in the boundary layer mesh are highly anisotropic and
ideal for capturing strong gradients near a surface.
Each layer can have a different thickness.
Generally, the layer closest to the boundary surface needs to be thinner

than upper layers. This allows for a gradual transition between the size of
the elements in the boundary layer mesh and the size of the elements in
the fluid mesh.
Thickness of the first layer
Total thickness of the boundary layer mesh
Number of layers in the boundary layer mesh

Mesh size and turbulence

The K-Epsilon turbulence model uses wall functions to approximate wall
shear without resolving the details of the near-wall region. This requires
specific mesh size requirements close to walls.
Too fine a mesh can decrease turbulence modeling accuracy.
Y+ values >30 (highest accuracy) ; Y+ > 11(good) ; Y+ < 5 (unacceptable).
Y+ can be calculated as a results type specified on the Results Options

tab of the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog box.
Y+ is the dimensionless distance from

the wall defined as:
where:
y = distance from the wall
r = fluid density
= fluid viscosity
tw = wall shear stress

Fluid Domain mesh quality options

You can check the quality of the Fluid Domain mesh without running the
analysis. This is a good practice to have an idea of mesh size and processing
time.
Select the Write Solver Input File option in the Solve dialog box.
Display the mesh quality parameters on the Post-Processing Navigator.
Element Size locates elements that are too small or too large based on
element volume.
Element Aspect Ratio locates malformed or twisted tetrahedral elements.

If the element is flat a value of -1 is assigned. The value ranges from
1.0 (best) to infinity (worst).
Element Skew locates elements that are slivers or have one or more
extremely small edges. The value ranges from 0.0 (best) to 1.0 (worst).
The "optimal element volume " is the volume of an equilateral tetrahedron
element that touches a spherical surface connecting the nodes of a
generated tetrahedron, and "size" is defined as the volume of the
generated tetrahedron element.
Tip
If you write a solver input file, you can reuse the mesh during the solve.


Meshing requirements for solver

Check for distorted and stretched 3D elements. Flat or negative volume
elements can cause the solver to fail.
Elements must meet stretch and distortion standards. Flow solver

attempts to repair faulty elements with some loss of accuracy.
Try to keep element aspect ratio values above 0.2. Values below 0.05
will produce unacceptable results.
To model a duct you must define at least 5 to 10 elements across the duct
face that you select.
Around a bend in the flow or where the flow channel changes shape or size
specify a finer fluid mesh with at least 5 elements per edge of the channel.
Fluid flow between separately meshed bodies is only transferred across

coplanar faces.
The mesh at flow boundaries should have a minimum of two elements

across the opening (typically 4 or 5 provides adequate accuracy).

Activities
Preprocessing an electronics fan
You will create a fluid volume from the periodic section in a radially
symmetric geometry.
This activity also shows how to mesh faces to create periodic boundary
conditions.
For more information
See Moving Frame of Reference and Periodic Boundary Conditions in the

Advanced Simulation online Help.

Summary
Used the various techniques available to create fluid volumes.
Understood the meshing techniques used in NX Flow for volumes of fluids.

Lesson
3 Meshing and material properties
Purpose
This lesson reviews the meshing capabilities of NX and presents additional

guidelines for flow analyses.
Objectives

Recognize different types of meshing tools and techniques, including
automatic mesh creation and manual mesh editing.
Explain the use of mesh collectors.
Define physical, material, and section properties.
Create templates and assembly FEMs.

Meshing and material properties
0D and 1D meshing and meshing controls
Mesh Control
Defines number of elements, spacing ratios, biasing, etc.
Controls mesh size on sensitive areas and manages the number of

elements in big models.
1D Mesh and 1D Element Section

Creates one-dimensional elements that are associated with the geometry,
such as curves or polygon edges.
You will need to define section properties which can be used to simplify
the modeling of heat transfer or duct flow.

2D Meshing
2D Mesh
Creates two-dimensional shell elements on a selected face.
2D Mapped Mesh
Generates a mapped mesh of triangular or quadrilateral shell elements.
Ideal for simple geometry.
2D Dependent Mesh
Creates identical free or mapped meshes on different faces within your
model.
Ideal for radial symmetries and periodic faces.
Note
You can use 2D meshes as seeds for a 3D meshes without exporting the
2D meshes to the solver by deselecting the Export to Solver option
in the 3D meshing dialog boxes.

3D Meshing
3D Tetrahedral Mesh
Creates three-dimensional tetrahedral solid elements on a selected body.
3D Swept Mesh
Generates a mapped mesh of hexahedral or wedge elements by sweeping
a free or mapped surface mesh through a solid body.
Solid From Shell Mesh

Creates a 3D mesh from a shell mesh.
Create Extrude, Revolve, Copy, and Translate Elements

Creates 2D and 3D meshes based on nodes and elements without using
any underlying geometry.
Uses operations like revolve, extrude, copy, and other commands.

General mesh settings and options

Use the Auto Element Size option to compute an estimated element
length based on the selected geometry.
Automatically estimated element size:
User defined element size: 110 mm 86.4 mm
Use the Transition Element Size option to gradually transition the size of
elements from local element sizes back to the global element size.
Off On

Create or modify a mesh manually

You can create or modify any type of elements manually using element and
node operations to:
Improve your existing meshes by splitting elements and moving nodes.
Renumber your mesh to control the output on selected entities.
Obtain information about nodes or elements.
Copy, translate, and reflect elements and nodes.

Basic meshing guidelines

Start your analysis with a coarse mesh to get a first approximate set of
results, then improve your results by using a finer mesh.
Use fine meshes in areas of specific interest or where result variations

are largest.
Minimize any distortions by improving or recreating your mesh.
Avoid having multiple highly distorted and stretched elements in one

area of your model.
Check your mesh before running any analysis.

Coincident nodes
Coincident nodes are duplicate nodes lying on top of each other. These will be
treated as separate sections of your model.
These nodes occur when you:
Mesh different solid or shell geometries with mating faces and do not
connect them.
Try to connect automatically generated meshes and manual meshes at

common surfaces.
Mesh complex curved geometry into parts smaller than the tolerance of
the meshing application which generates nodes that belong to adjacent
elements that lie on top of each other.
Modeling conduction requires you to create meshes with shared nodes to

preserve continuity.
Use Mesh Matting Condition or Model Check to avoid, check, or

resolve duplicate node issues.

Mesh mating conditions
Use Mesh Mating Conditions to connect individual meshes at a specified

interface.
You can use Mesh Mating Conditions to:
Connect the meshes on similar or dissimilar bodies within an assembly.
Create identical meshes on two facing surfaces.
Mesh mating conditions are kept in the Connection Collector.

Mesh mating condition types

For flow analyses use:
Glue Coincident : It merges the nodes at the interface between

identical source and target faces so that these faces share the same nodes.
If the faces are not identical, the software subdivides the faces to make
them identical.
For other analyses such as structural and contact use:
Free Coincident : It aligns the mesh on both the source and target
faces but does not connect the meshes. This results in duplicate nodes
at the interface.
Glue Non-Coincident : It makes the software create multi-point

constraints (MPCs) or constraint equations between the nodes on the
source and target faces.
Tip
You can use Thermal Coupling simulation objects to model conduction
if you cannot get rid of coincident nodes.

Check the quality of your mesh
Use the Finite Element Model Check tool to verify element quality and
avoid mesh issues based on the threshold values defined by default. You
can check:
Duplicate nodes
Element shapes
Element outlines
2D element normals
Node proximity to CAD model
Tip
In the Simulation Navigator, check the status of meshes to make sure
they are up-to-date. If not, use Update Finite Element Model .

Threshold values
You can adjust the maximum Threshold Values when you check for the mesh
quality.
Any element with test results exceeding these values will fail the test.
The values you enter depend on the accuracy you need from your analysis
and the type of solver specified in the environment.

Mesh collector
Mesh Collectors group meshes that share the same element type, physical,
and material properties. You can:
Create mesh collectors before or while creating a mesh.
Move meshes between mesh collectors.
Control the display of model sections with mesh collectors, modifying their
visibility and appearance.
The groups and options listed on the mesh collector depend on element type
and solver type. To create a mesh collector:
1. Click on Mesh Collector (Advanced Simulation toolbar).
2. Select the material from the list or click on Choose Material.
3. To specify physical properties click Modify Selected or Create

Physical.
4. (Optional) To specify thermo-optical properties select the radiation side
and then click Modify Selected or Create Physical.
5. (Optional) You can also specify other properties such as Section Manager
and Multilayer Thermal Coupling.
In the Simulation file, you can override the physical properties assigned to
the mesh collector in the FEM which lets you explore how different physical
properties affect the solution results.
Mesh collector overrides
1. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the collector and choose Edit
Attribute Overrides.
2. Left click on the lock symbol and select Apply Override to modify the
mesh collector properties.
The physical properties modified in a the Simulation file will not be
available in the FEM file.



Fluid material properties

Below are physical properties supported by flow solver to model fluid material
properties.
Material SI Units Variable Notes
property with
Mass Density kg/m Temperature Required for
transient analysis
Thermal W/m-K Temperature Required
Conductivity, k
Thermal 1/C Temperature Required for
Expansion buoyancy
Coefficient, b modeling
Dynamic kg/m-s Temperature Required
Viscosity,
Specific Heat J/g-K Temperature Required
at Constant
Pressure, cp
Gas Constant, R J/Kg-K N.A. Required for gases
Must be null for
liquids
Tip
Non-Newtonian fluids are defined creating a fluid material and using
a Non-Newtonian modeling object to modify it according to the model
selected.
Tip
When using a Fluid Domain simulation object to define a mesh the fluid
properties can be specified from Simulation file in the Fluid Domain
dialog box.


Material list
You can use predefined materials or copy their properties into a new material.
1. Make the part active.
2. Click Material Properties .
3. Select the material you want to use.
4. In the Materials dialog box, click Library .
5. Click OK.

Material library manager

You can use materials from the NX material library, or you can also create
new materials.
These custom materials can be stored in the model FEM file or in a separate
material library file.
Material library files can be used in any NX model.
Local materials
When you assign a material definition to a model, the material is saved
as a local material directly in the current FEM.
Site and User libraries

You can store custom material definitions in two external libraries which you
can manage independently using customer defaults.
NX stores custom material libraries as XML files in the MatML schema.
For schema details, see http://www.matml.org.
You can manage your custom material definitions using the Material
Library Manager dialog box.
When you load a library material definition into NX (either by using the
Load Library Material into the File command or by assigning the material to
a physical property or to a solid body), the local material is locked and you
cannot edit it in NX. Therefore, the local material retains the property values
that were in the material library file at the time they were loaded.


Ducts
One dimensional elements are commonly used in structural models but can
also be used for thermal or duct flow modeling.
Use 1D Element Section to define section, direction, and orientation

of the 1D mesh using the predefined sections, or define an custom section.


PAX files and templates

A PAX file contains the name, location, template file type, unit system, title,
and image of template files.
Templates are base files of the file type you want to create (PRT, FEM,
SIM, etc) and contain preloaded information.
Templates are accessible from the New dialog box.
Each tab in the New file dialog box is defined by a PAX file.
Each template file is represented in the New dialog box with an image
to identify the template.
By default your system has PAX files for model, drawing, simulation, and
manufacturing templates.
You can edit the PAX file to add or remove templates.
You can also modify existing template files.

PAX files
All templates and PAX files are by default located in the
UGII_BASE_DIR%\ugii\templates directory.
To modify PAX files
1. Right-click on My Computer and select Explore.
2. Browse to your UGII_BASE_DIR%\ugii\templates directory.
3. Select any *.pax file and open it with a text editor.
If you cannot modify the folder containing the PAX and template files you can
set a different folder.
To modify the default template folder
1. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
2. On the Advanced tab, click on the Environment Variables button.
3. Create a new variable called: UGII_TEMPLATE_DIR and set its value

to the folder you are working on.
Note
Restart NX after modifying PAX or templates files.

Assembly FEMs
An assembly FEM (*.afm) file supports enhanced workflows when working
with large assemblies like HVAC systems.
The assembly file contains:
Occurrences and locations of the component FEMs or assembly FEMs.
Connection elements that join the different FEMs.
Properties overwritten on specific FEM occurrences.

Advantages
Manage and reuse existing component FEMs avoiding remeshing of
reoccurring components.
Control property definition and part loading more efficiently.
Distribute pre-processing workload among members of your team.
Replace a component and its mesh automatically on an assembly for

what-if analyses.

Assembly FEM types and creation

Assembly FEM (*.afm) files can be created from an existing CAD assembly or
an empty AFM file, and are named:
Non-associative assembly FEMs
Do not contain a CAD assembly therefore the meshes have to be manually

positioned into the appropriate location.
To create a new non-associative assembly FEM, choose FileNew, on the

Simulation tab select an Assembly FEM template.
Associative assembly FEMs
Contains a CAD assembly of the model you are meshing.
To create a new associative assembly FEM, open an assembly *.prt file,

start the Advanced Simulation environment, then on the Simulation
Navigator right click the assembly node and select New Assembly FEM.
The FEM files are located by matching the coordinate systems of the FEM
and model.

Assembly FEM procedure

To construct an assembly FEM you must:
Map existing FEM file, associating each FEM file to the parts node in
the Simulation Navigator.
Add additional components and position them.
Map matching components.
Resolve labeling conflicts with the Run Verification and Automatically
Resolve tools in the Assembly Label Manager.
Connect the different FEM files with element operations if necessary.
Assembly FEM Simulation

Navigator nomenclature
Mapped component.
Ignored component.
Matching components.
Added non associative FEM.

Activity
Meshings, assembly FEMs, and material library review.
You will mesh complex models using assembly FEMs.
This activity also illustrates set temperature dependent material

properties.

Review questions
1. True/False. All meshes created in the FEM file are exported to the solver.
2. True/False. NX allows you to define multiple material libraries.
Answers to review questions

1. True/False. All meshes created in the FEM file are exported to the solver.
False. 2D meshes can be used as a baseline for 3D meshes, and do not
need to be exported to the solver.
2. True/False. NX allows you to define multiple material libraries.

True.

Summary
Used the different types of meshing tools and techniques, including
automatic mesh creation and manual mesh correction.
Created and defined properties for mesh collectors before and after
meshing.
Defined physical, material, and section properties.
Created templates and assembly FEMs.

Lesson
4 Computational fluid dynamics
Purpose
This lesson explains basic concepts of computational fluid dynamics.
Objectives
Describe concepts of fluid dynamics.
List fluid material properties and units.
Identify the equations used in computational fluid dynamics.
Identify the conservation laws and the Reynolds Transport theorem.
Understand the Reynolds number and its implications in laminar and

turbulent flow.

Computational fluid dynamics
Fluid Dynamics review

Fluid Dynamics deals with fluid flow of liquids and gases. The solution of a
fluid dynamics problem involves the calculation of various properties such as
velocity, pressure, density, and temperature.
Fundamental laws of fluid dynamics:
Conservation of mass
Conservation of momentum
Conservation of energy
Fluids are assumed to obey the continuum assumption, consequently,

properties such as density, pressure, and temperature are well defined at
infinitesimally small points, and assumed to vary continuously.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computational Fluid Dynamics is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses
numerical methods and algorithms to analyze fluid flow problems.
Numerical techniques solve a flow problem by treating a continuous flow

in a discretized fashion.
CFD numerical methods solve the Navier-Stokes equations, which

describe the motion of fluid materials.
Several CFD techniques exist to solve fluid flow problems. The flow solver
discretizes the physical space into small cells or control volumes to form a
volume mesh, and then uses a suitable algorithm to solve the discretized
Navier-Stokes equations.
Contours of velocity in a valve.

Equations of fluid dynamics

The governing equations solved by the flow solver are the Reynolds Averaged
Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) for 3D flows. They express the conservation
of the fluid mass, momentum, and energy.
Where:
Ui and ui are the components of the mean and fluctuating velocity in
the ith direction.
h and h are the mean and the fluctuating specific enthalpy.
Sm, SUj, Sh are the source terms for the mass, momentum, and energy,
respectively.
r, , k, and cp are, respectively, the density, dynamic viscosity, thermal

conductivity, and specific heat of the fluid.

Modeling fluid dynamics problem

To analyze fluid flow you must create a flow model consisting of:
Fluid material properties.
Nodes and elements that represent the fluid volume and interacting
surfaces.
Boundary conditions and other flow controls that mimic the fluid
movement in your system.
You must define the fluid volume with 3D elements for which you assign the
appropriate fluid material properties.

Element types supported by the flow solver

The various element types supported by flow solver are:
3D
Linear hexahedral or brick, linear tetrahedral, and linear wedge elements

(bottom).
Note
Parabolic counterparts of these elements, while supported, are treated
as linear by the solver.
Flow results are recovered for all nodes (including mid-side nodes) by
interpolating the variables at the finite volume integration points.

Reynolds number and flow characterization

The Reynolds number:
Is a dimensionless number referred to as Re.
Is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous.
Quantifies relative importance of these two forces for given flow conditions.
Is used to identify different flow regimes i.e. laminar flow or turbulent

flow.
Is obtained from the adimensional form of the Navier-Stokes momentum

equation.
Re=rUmL/, or
Re=UmL/n
where:
r = Fluid density
Um = Mean fluid velocity
L = Characteristic length
= Dynamic viscosity
n = Kinematic viscosity

Activity
Visualizing flow patterns inside a valve
You apply the concept of flow volume.
This activity uses synchronous technology to manipulate the geometry.
This activity presents flow specific post processing tools.

Activity
Boundary layer meshing for a train assembly
You will use the Fluid Domain simulation object to mesh the flow around
the train and to define a boundary layer on specific surfaces of the train
assembly.
This activity also illustrates how to use the Flow Boundary Condition
simulation object.
This activity presents flow specific post processing tools.

Flow regimes
Laminar Flow
Occurs when a fluid flows smoothly in thin parallel layers or laminae,
with different velocities in each layer and no disruption between layers.
Properties like velocity, pressure, temperature, and density are constant

at each point in the flow.
Is characterized by low Reynolds number (Re<2000 in pipes).

Turbulent Flow
Occurs when a fluid flows with abrupt changes in pressure, temperature,
density, and direction as well as magnitude of velocity.
Occurs at higher flow rates and is characterized by the presence of

vortices, eddies, and wakes in the flow.
Is characterized by high Reynolds number (Re>4000 in pipes).

Summary
Described concepts of fluid dynamics.
Listed fluid material properties and units.
Identified the equations used in computational fluid dynamics.
Identified the conservation laws and the Reynolds Transport theorem.
Understood the Reynolds number and its implications in laminar and

turbulent flow.

Lesson
5 Flow initial conditions and

boundary conditions
Purpose
This lesson presents the use of flow boundary conditions.
Objectives
Apply or modify global and local initial conditions.
Apply flow boundary conditions.
Describe the techniques to model fan swirl, fan curves, and louvres.
Use the different flow surfaces and flow blockage types to model
obstructions in the fluid volume.
Understand screens and how to replace geometry using them.
Define simulation objects with space and time varying fields.

Flow initial conditions and boundary conditions
Modifying global initial conditions

The options on the Initial Conditions tab of the Create Solution or Edit
Solution dialog box define initial values for the variables on the whole model.
Automatic sets the initial velocities and turbulence to 0 and the initial
pressure and fluid temperature to the values specified on the Ambient
Conditions tab.
Uniform sets the initial values to the ones you specify. Use Uniform if the
fluid conditions differ from ambient conditions.
From Results In Other Directory sets the initial values to the flow results
from previous analysis using the same mesh.
This option overrides any Initial 3D Flow Conditions constraint. You must
specify the directory containing the results. The solver files (flow.bfi and
flow.fli) in this directory define initial conditions.
Perform Steady-State Solution sets the initial conditions of a transient

run to the flow results of an automatically run steady-state analysis
(applicable only for transient analyses).

Thermal Loads
Use Thermal Loads to apply known heat sources that can be constant,
time varying, and/or spatially distributed.
Types
Use Heat Load if you know the load in units of power, for example on
chip or stove plate model. (power)
Use Heat Flux if you know the value of heat entering through an area
you select, for example solar heat flux. (power/area))
Use Heat Generation if you know the value of heat generated in a

volume you select, for example burning coal. (power/volume)


Temperature constraint
Use a Temperature constraint to apply known temperatures to a heat

source or sink on the model.
Temperature values can be:
Constant
Time varying
Spatially distributed

Apply local initial conditions
The Initial Conditions constraint defines local initial values conditions at

the start of the simulation.
The value you specify here overrides any values specified on the Initial
Conditions tab of the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog box.
Types to set for a flow analysis
Temperature
Pressure
Velocity
Turbulence

Apply flow boundary conditions

The flow boundary conditions are set using the Flow Boundary Condition
simulation object.
Flow Boundary Condition Types
Models fluid entering or leaving the fluid domain at a
known flow rate and location.
Inlet Flow Use it to model fans, pumps, or a face at a known
or velocity.
Outlet Flow You can also define heat exchange, flow direction, fan
control, or distribution at flow return.
Models an external opening in the fluid volume that
allows fluid to flow into or out of the fluid domain.
Use to model vents and faces opened to the
Opening environment.
An Opening can act as an inlet or outlet depending on
flow conditions existing at the simulation start time.
Models fluid flow due to the movement of a fan
embedded in the fluid volume.
Internal Fan For an Internal Fan only, you must specify the faces,
and the direction of fluid, moving along the axis of
the fan or at an angle to it.
Models a recirculation device or system that extracts
the fluid from the fluid domain and returns it at
Recirculation Loop another location.
Select two different faces on the boundary of the fluid
volume as the Flow Extract and the Flow Return
regions.
The Flow Boundary Condition simulation object is applied on one or more

polygon faces adjacent to the 3D fluid elements. The faces must lie on the
boundary of the fluid domain, except when you define an Internal Fan type.

Flow boundary conditions magnitude modes

You can define the following quantities for all flow boundary conditions other
than Opening:
Velocity
Mass flow rate
Volume flow rate
Pressure rise over the device
Fan curve: fan flow rate vs. change in pressure across the fan.
Specify a fan using a function or table.
The change of pressure is the difference of the total pressure in front

of the fan and the static pressure behind it.
When you define a fan curve the solver adjusts the fan flow rate and
pressure rise at each iteration.
The software calculates the flow rate or pressure at every new

temperature during the solve.
All boundary conditions can be defined in terms of fields.

Inlet or Outlet BC procedure

Step 1: In the Flow Boundary Condition dialog box, select Inlet Flow or
Outlet Flow from the Type list.
Step 2: Select the element faces or polygon faces that you want to use as
the Region through which the fluid flows.
Step 3: Select the magnitude Mode and define its values.
Step 4: (Optional) You can also model heat exchange, flow direction, fan
control, or distribution at flow return.
Inlet for a train model on a tunnel
Outlet fan for power source

Opening BC procedure
Step 1: In the Flow Boundary Condition dialog box select Opening from
the Type list.
the Region through which the fluid flows.
Step 3: (Optional) Choose or create an External Conditions modeling

object to control the temperature, humidity, and turbulence
characteristics at the opening.
Step 4: (Optional) Specify a value for the External Absolute Pressure at

the opening or use the Absolute Pressure Value you specify in the
Ambient Conditions tab of the Edit Solution dialog box.
Step 5: (Optional) You can also model screens, filters, louvers, and a
pressure drop.
Opening boundaries with head loss.

Internal Fan BC procedure

Step 1: In the Flow Boundary Condition dialog box select Internal Fan
from the Type list.
the Internal Fan Region through which the fluid flows.
Step 4: (Optional) You can also model heat exchange, louvers, and fan
swirl.
Note
Faces with internal fans applied, must have coincident nodes joint
using a Mesh Matting operation, or by joining all their duplicate nodes
using the Check utility.

Recirculation Loop BC Procedure

With a Recirculation Loop boundary condition you can model fluid loops like
heat exchangers and air conditioning units. Unlike other BCs, the faces of
recirculation fans must be meshed with shell elements.
Step 1: In the Flow Boundary Condition dialog box select Recirculation
Loop from the Type list.
the Extract Region and the Return Region through which the fluid
circulates.
Step 4: (Optional) You can also model louvers, fan swirl, and turbulence
characteristics.
Step 5: (Optional) Use the options in the Heat Exchange group to model
heat transfer from the extraction and return openings on the fluid
volume.

Modeling louvers
Model louvers for fans and openings by defining a vector that describes how
the fluid is oriented. Set the direction in the Flow Direction or Flow Return
groups of the different flow boundary condition types.
You can sketch a curve to represent the vector direction or select available
geometry.
Physical model. Flow model.

Louvers at 30 directing Fan or vent defined on surface adjacent
the flow. to fluid, with flow angle defined.

Modeling fan swirl

Model swirl or the rotation of the fluid introduced by devices such as fans or
propellers using the Flow Direction or the Flow Return group of the different
flow boundary condition types.
For a fixed angle swirl set a Rotation Axis and the Normal to tangential
velocity angle.
For a radially varying swirl set the Rotation Axis and the Rotation
Velocity.

Spatially varying parameters

Spatially varying values can be defined in the Distribution group of various
boundary conditions.
In all cases values are interpreted as a table, interpolated, and exported to
the solver as a multiplication factor. To define them:
1. Select Spatial from the Method list in a boundary condition dialog box.
2. From the Select Existing Field icon, select:
Existing Field .
Function to create a formula using the Formula Field dialog

box, or
Table constructor to create or import a table using the Table

Field dialog box.
Note
In the Formula Field and Table Field dialog boxes you can enter values,
use variables, or import the values from .txt or .xls files.

Screens
Use a Screen simulation object to model two-dimensional openings and

impede the fluid flow moving within the flow volume.
Specify a Planar Head Loss modeling object to model the pressure drop
that occurs as a result of the screen.
When you do not specify a head loss, the screen simulation object obtains
mass flux results through the face you select. To view these results,
activate the Mass Fluxes check box in the Results Options tab of the Edit
Solution dialog box.
Use shell elements or thermal couplings to model heat conduction on

the surface of the screen.
Tip
The density of the fluid element mesh surrounding a Screen must be at
least four fluid elements across any opening to model fluid flow with
good accuracy.

Planar Head Loss modeling object

Use the Planar Head Loss modeling object to define flow resistance through
planar devices such as screens or filters. To model it you can define:
Resistance as a coefficient, defining a pressure drop through the device in
terms of Approach Velocity or Dynamic Pressure, or
Selecting the appropriate correlation type and typing the free area,
measured or calculated from the geometry. The available correlation
types are:
Thin perforated plate (Sharp, rounded, or beveled edges)
Metal wire screen
Silk threaded screen


Flow surfaces
Use the Flow Surface simulation object to model convection and/or drag
from a selected surface to the surrounding fluid. Flow surfaces constrain or
direct the fluid flow within a fluid volume (e.g. PC board, baffle, duct, or
heatsink).
A Flow Surface overrides any default or global convection and/or drag
properties.
Types
Embedded Flow Surface models fluid contact on both sides.
Embedded Flow Surface With Obstructions models fluid contacts on

both sides, with small obstructions (e.g. PCB components) on or near the
top and/or bottom surface.
Boundary Flow Surface models fluid contact only on one side.
Boundary Flow Surface With Obstructions contacts the fluid on one side,
with small obstructions attached to the surface.
For more information about flow surfaces, see Boundary Conditions Solver
Specific Simulation Objects NX Thermal and Flow Flow Surface Flow
Surface Overview in the Advanced Simulation online Help.


Flow surface modeling tips

Embedded Flow Surface requires an embedded 2D mesh in the flow
volume, while Boundary Flow Surface can be an non meshed surface.
Ensure that 2D solid edges match 3D edges curved flow surfaces and use
a smaller 2D mesh size to ensure accurate modeling.
Nodes of curved Flow Surface align with nodes of 3D flow mesh.
During the analysis the 3D flow mesh opens at the 2D Flow Surface to
its thickness, blocking flow,

Flow blockages
A Flow Blockage simulation object models the resistance of a fluid to

traverse a 3D body.
The figures show the different types of flow blockages applied to a catalytic
converter.
Solid Blockage
Apply to a meshed or non-meshed body. The solid blockage forces

the fluid to flow around it.
Porous Blockage - Isotropic
Models the resistance the fluid flow experiences as it passes though

a 3D porous material with an identical head loss coefficient in all three
directions.
Porous Blockage - Orthotropic
Models the resistance the fluid flow experiences as it passes through a

porous material with different head loss coefficients in all three directions.
Tip
You can also define wall convection and surface roughness in solid
flow blockages.


Activity
Porous and solid flow blockage modeling
You will learn how to use model flow blockages and porous media.
This activity also reviews flow post-processing tools.

3D flow convection
To model convection automatically, you must set:
Global convection properties for meshed surfaces in contact with fluid
elements by defining options in the Convection Properties group on the
3D Flow tab in the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog boxes.
Local convection properties on faces with Flow Surfaces or polygon bodies

with Flow Blockages by defining a Convection Properties modeling
object on the surface group in their respective dialog boxes.
Both convection properties. Define global Convection Properties for most

surfaces and define geometry as a Flow Surface or Flow Blockage where
convection differs from the global value.
Values for bulk heat transfer coefficients can be obtained from engineering
handbooks or experimental data. You can also use the thermal wizard to
calculate it.

Global convection properties

Apply global convection properties to fluid free faces treated as walls where
you have not defined a flow surface. Define the global convection properties
using the Default Convection Properties list in the 3D Flow tab of the Edit
Solution dialog box. You can apply convection properties to:
All faces meshed with 2D elements in your model.
All faces of solid bodies meshed with 3D non-fluid elements in your model.
Select Automatic to have the solver calculate default convection properties or

choose a Convection Properties modeling object.

Local convection properties

If you want specific surfaces or bodies in your model to have defined
convection characteristics different from the global convection properties,
you must define the appropriate Convection Properties modeling objects on
them, these can be applied on:
Polygon faces or surfaces that you define as a Flow Surface.
Faces of a polygon body meshed with 3D elements that you define as a

Flow Blockage.

Convection Properties modeling object

The Convection Properties modeling object defines convection characteristics
and instructs the software to determine the coefficient that controls convective
heat transfer in 3D flow simulations.
When you define a Convection Properties modeling object, the software
calculates the convective heat transfer from the wall to the fluid.
Convection Properties modeling object can be applied to Simulation

Objects or to the global model.
1. Click on the Modeling Objects .
2. From the Type list select Convection Properties and click Create.
3. Define how to consider the heat transfer coefficient on the Parameters

group.
4. Select the Use Heat Transfer Coefficient Multiplier check box if you want
to specify a Multiplier value for the heat transfer coefficient to account for
geometry not completely modelled such as extra cooling fins or for other
surface characteristics.

Wall friction and 2D element sides

Surface wall friction
Wall friction quantifies the resistance of a fluid to flow at walls due to the
surface roughness. This affects fluid flow by creating drag on the surface
and therefore affects convective heat transfer.
You can specify surface roughness or let the software calculate it from
surface obstructions using size spacing and height.
Alternatively, the surface can have frictionless properties in the case of

slip wall.
The value can be set locally at the Flow Surface dialog box or globally in
the 3D Flow tab of the Edit Solution dialog box.
Define roughness as Sand Grain Roughness, a measure of the small-scale

variations in the height of a physical surface.
The Sand Grain Roughness value should not exceed the size of fluid
elements next to the surface.
2D elements orientation
A 2D mesh can convect from its top side, its bottom side, or both.
Properties can be defined separately for the two sides of a 2D mesh.
You must determine top and bottom sides of a 2D mesh by checking the
Element Normals. The direction of the normal corresponds to top side.
Top and Bottom.

Top Bottom

Symmetry plane
Use a Symmetry Plane simulation object to define a plane about which

the model is symmetrical. Both the geometry and boundary conditions must
be symmetrical.
The symmetry plane condition assumes that the surface is adiabatic,
that the velocity normal to the surface is zero, and that the and surface
shear is zero.
The surface defining a symmetry plane must be on the face of a 3D fluid

mesh.

Lift and drag

You can export aerodynamic quantities and other values using a Reports
simulation object.
Obtain a report of force on surfaces at a specified coordinate system.
The report appears in the HTML file GroupReport.htm in the results

directory.
To generate lift and drag results:

1. Select the region that contains the flow surfaces of interest.
2. Define the coordinate system.
3. Select a direction for the Lift Axis and Drag Axis.


Activity
Converter and muffler flow modeling
You will learn how to model screens.
You will learn how to modify solver parameters to improve solver

convergence.
You will also review the use of flow blockages.

Review questions
1. True/False. Lift and drag results are only given respect to the global
coordinate system of the simulation.
2. True/False. A Flow Blockage simulation object models the resistance of a

fluid to traverse a 3D body.

1. True/False. Lift and drag results are only given respect to the global
coordinate system of the simulation.
False. A different coordinate system can be selected to which the lift
and drag results will be calculated.
2. True/False. A Flow Blockage simulation object models the resistance of a

fluid to traverse a 3D body.
True

Summary
Applied and modified global and local initial conditions.
Applied flow boundary conditions.
Described the techniques to model fan swirl, fan curves, and louvres.
Used the different flow surfaces and flow blockage types to model
obstructions in the fluid volume.
Understood screens and how to replace geometry using them.
Defined simulation objects with space and time varying fields.

Lesson
6 Flow solution options and solving
Purpose
This lesson shows how to run a flow simulation.
Objectives
Understand how the flow solver works.
Understand the different flow solution attributes, convergence controls,

and how these affect the simulation.
Understand the solving process, learn how to monitor a solution, review

convergence criterion, and restart an analysis.

Flow solution options and solving
NX Flow solver capabilities

NX Flow
Can model:
Laminar or turbulent flow.
Incompressible or compressible flow.
Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
Duct flows.
Free or forced convection.
Isotropic and orthotropic porous blockages.
Solves non-linear, partial differential equations for the conservation of

mass, momentum, energy, and turbulence quantities.
Calculates steady state or transient values for density, pressure, and

velocity.
Models heat loads and compressibility of fluids obtaining temperatures

and internal energies of elements.
Supports unstructured meshes. This enables you to use meshes which

conform well to complex geometry.
Tracks particles in steady state and transient analyses.

NX Flow algorithm
Step 1: The nodes of elements in a fluid mesh are used to define the
elements geometry and to calculate faces and their normals.
Step 2: The solver creates control volumes from elements around nodes
by joining the midpoints of surrounding element edges and the
centers of surrounding element faces. Each control volume has a
node at its center of gravity (CG).
Step 3: The solver then defines integration points at the surface midpoints
of the control volumes.
The value of a variable at the integration points represents the
values on all surfaces of the control volume.
The value of a variable at the node represents the average

value of all the surrounding control volumes.
Step 4: Boundary condition values at integration points are interpolated

from nodal values of specified boundary conditions. Fluxes are
computed at the integration points using these interpolated values.
The sum of the fluxes for a given control volume is used as the
new nodal value at the following iteration.
Step 5: Variables like velocity are discretized and computed at the

integration points. The RANS equations are integrated over a
control volume and a time step to obtain nodal values.
Step 6: The solver assembles and solves the mass, momentum, and energy
equations together, making it a coupled solver.
Note
The integration points are internal to the flow solver and hence
can not be displayed or manipulated using NX preprocessing and
post-processing tools.

Element
Node
Element sector
Integration point
Control volume

The multigrid method in the flow solver

By default the flow solver uses a multigrid method on the equation matrix
solution that creates a grid hierarchy of coarser virtual grids, reducing
solution error.
This multigrid accelerator improves the ILU (Incomplete Lower-Upper)
iterative solver with benefits such as:
No degradation of performance due to aspect ratio.
A linear increase in computational cost with problem size.
Original grid
First coarse grid
Next coarser grid
Residuals are passed down to the next coarser grid.
Additional correction passed up to the next finer grid.

Solving a flow analysis

To run a flow analysis:
1. Apply all loads or boundary conditions on your meshed model.
2. In the Simulation Navigator right-click on Solution node and select Edit

Solution.
3. In the Edit Solution dialog box, on the Solution Details tab, select Run
Directory check box and specify a location for result files.
4. Select Steady State or Transient.
5. If necessary, on the Transient Setup tab define, review, and modify

Solution Time Interval, Time Integration Control, and Results Sampling.
6. On the Ambient Conditions tab, specify the gravity vector for buoyancy
modeling. Make sure the values for the Pressure and Temperature group
are correct.
7. On the Result Options tab, select the desired output result types.
8. Click OK in the Edit Solution dialog box to accept all other defaults.
9. (Optional) Modify Solver Parameters.
10. Right-click the solution name in the Simulation Navigator and choose
Solve.
11. After you solve the model verify its convergence.

Review global heat and mass flow balances.
Investigate warnings and check view factor sums for radiation

problems in coupled analysis.
Remember to check solution results using basic heat transfer

calculations and/or fluid flow principles.

3D Flow Solution options

On the 3D flow tab of the Edit Solution dialog box, you can:
Adjust global convection properties and wall surface properties in the
Friction and Convection Parameters group.
Define required values for Fixed Turbulent Viscosity or Mixing Length

viscosity models in the Characteristic Scales group.
Define origin, and tolerances for the fluid domain meshing in the Fluid
Domain Parameters group.

Buoyancy modeling
The flow solver models the effect of buoyancy driven flows (hot air rising) due
to density differences generated by thermal gradients. To activate it:
1. Right-click the Solution node and select Edit Solution.
2. On the Solution Details tab of the Edit Solution dialog box, select the
Buoyancy check box in the Solve Options group.
3. Click the Ambient Conditions tab.
4. Define the gravity vector in the Gravity group.
5. Click OK.

Modifying solver parameters

Before running an analysis, review or modify the different flow solver
parameters on the 3D Flow Solver tab of the Solver Parameters dialog box
in order to:
Improve or adjust solution convergence.
Reduce solver processing time.
Adjust the solver for specific simulation scenarios.
Control particle tracking.
For more information about solver parameters, see Adjusting Solver

Parameters Flow Solver Parameters.

Defining a Time Step

In any analysis, consider what time step to use for the model.
For a steady state flow analysis, decide whether to use a physical time
step or a local time step.
For a transient flow analysis, a physical time step is required.
Physical Time Step
Define a time step value that is sufficiently small in order to resolve the
non-linearities of the flow. That is, the solution should be linear over the
time step interval.
For Forced Convection a value of half the model length scale divided by
the model velocity dt = L / V
L is the mean flow distance from the inlet to the outlet and V is the
average velocity. If the solution does not converge using this value then
divide the time step by 2 and try solving again.
For Natural Convection always use a physical time step and calculate it
as dt=h2/[n(Gr)] for Gr=gbTh3/n2.
Where
g = Gravitational acceleration
b = Coefficient of thermal expansion. (for air, b = 3.4x10-3)
T = Change in air temperature from outlet to inlet. (Typical is 10 C to
25 C.)
h = Chimney height as shown above
n = Kinematic viscosity, for air at 27; C n = 25.90106 m2/s
For example, with h = 0.3m, b = 3.4x10-3, g = 9.81 m/s2, T = 25 C, Gr = 0.09.
Then dt = 0.6 s, use time step of 0.3 s to be safe

Local Time Step
The flow solver computes a local reference time step based on local velocity
and element length scale at each node (control volume) in the domain, and
then multiplies this by the local time step factor provided.
Useful for models which have varying time scales.
A default value of 20 is suggested for the local time step but a value as
low as 2 may be required for models which exhibit oscillations in the
convergence rates.
For more information about time step types, see NX Thermal and Flow
Adjusting Solver Parameters Flow Solver Parameters Defining a Time
Step in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Flow solver parameters

Use the options in the Flow tab of the Solver Parameters dialog box to control
convergence, flow field freezing, relaxation factors, buoyancy modeling, and
particle tracking.
Convergence control
Define time step, convergence criteria, and iteration limits for the flow
solver.
General recommendations
For natural convection or transient analysis, always use a physical

time step.
Specify a physical time step small enough so that the solution is linear
over the time step interval.
Large time step values might lead to convergence problems. Time step
values too small are costly in computation time.
Relaxation factors
The relaxation factors control the convergence of the iterative solver by
relaxing the momentum and energy equations.
For more information about solver parameters, see Adjusting Solver

Parameters Flow Solver Parameters.


Solving
When you select Solve, the solver generates an input file, then
automatically begins processing.
An Information window displays model check results.
The Analysis Job Monitor dialog box lists the solve status for single or
multiple runs.
The Solution Monitor displays all errors, warnings, and information

messages from the module currently executing.


The Solution Monitor

The Solution Monitor lets you control the execution of the solve.
Click Inspect to scroll and check current solution status. These

messages are also available after the solution is completed.
Click Stop to halt the current solution and discard the results.
Restarting is not possible.
Click Pause to stop solution and recover results for post processing.
In complex models pause the solution to inspect the results after a few
iterations, verify its integrity, and continue the run.
Continue the solve using the Restart tab at the Edit Solution dialog
box.
For more information about restarts, see NX Thermal and Flow Solving
Restarting the analysis.


The Solution Monitor information
In the Solution Monitor click Info to display the Solution Information

window with values of the ongoing solve:
Percent momentum (velocity) global solution imbalances.
Percent mass (pressure) global solution imbalance.
Percent energy (fluid temperature) global solution imbalance.
Maximum and minimum fluid pressure, fluid velocity, and fluid

temperature.
Heat flow into and from temperature boundary conditions.
Total heat load on the model from heat load, heat flux, and heat generation

The Solution Monitor graphs
In the Solution Monitor, click Graph Convergence and select the

one of the convergence plots:
Flow
U-Mom, V-Mom, and W-Mom for the momentum equations.
Mass for the continuity equation.
Energy for the energy equation.
TKE Turbulent Kinetic Energy and the TKE Dissipation Rate for the k-
equation if K-Epsilon is the selected turbulence model.
Fan
Pressure rise and volume flow rate.
The fan curve is only available when a fan curve is defined.
Tip
The convergence criterion are set in the Solver Parameters dialog box.


Activity
Flow in a piston engine
This uses the concepts on fluid volume meshing controls and boundary
conditions to model a complex process.
You will modify the solution parameter according to the physics of the
problem to obtain a solution.

Review questions
1. True/False. A physical time step must be used to simulate natural
convection (fluid buoyancy), and it must be calculated based on the
Grasshof number.
2. True/False. A local time step is calculated based on the average velocity

of the flow, the length scale of element, and the local time step factor
provided.
3. True/False. Solution restarts are controlled from the Solution Monitor

window.

1. True/False. A physical time step must be used to simulate natural
convection (fluid buoyancy), and it must be calculated based on the
Grasshof number.
True
2. True/False. A local time step is calculated based on the average velocity

of the flow, the length scale of element, and the local time step factor
provided.
False. The flow solver computes a local reference time step based on
local velocity and element length scale at each node (control volume)
in the domain, and then multiplies this by the local time step factor
provided.

window.
False. Restarts are controlled from the in the Restart tab of the Edit

Summary
Understood how the flow solver works.
Understood the different flow solution attributes, convergence controls,

and how these affect the simulation.
Understood the solving process, learned how to monitor a solution,

reviewed convergence criterion, and restarted an analysis.

Lesson
7 NX Flow post-processing
Purpose
This lesson explains how to display your results, export model data, and
create reports.
Objectives

Display results using the different post processing options available.
Generate contour and marker plots, and display them on cutting planes.
Animate results and create XY graphs for analysis.
Display arrow, streamlines, and iso-surface plots.
Create reports.

NX Flow post-processing
Advanced Simulation post processing generalities

With the Advanced Simulation post processor you can:
Create nodal and elemental contour plots and, display them using
sections, markers, and mesh display options.
Create and animate marker plots such as vector fields, streamlines, and
iso-surfaces.
Compare multiple results in the same window using Viewports.
Display, graph, or export node, element, and section values to a

spreadsheet.
Use results to iteratively improve your design.

To view results
1. Before solving the model, access the Results tab of the Edit Solution
dialog box to select additional desired results.
2. Solve the model.
3. In the Simulation Navigator, double-click the Results node.
4. In the Post-processing Navigator, expand the Solution node.
5. Double-click the results type to plot the values.
6. (Optional) Expand the results type and double-click a data component to

display those results.

Generating results
Available results are:
Velocities, Mach Numbers, and Static and Total Pressures
Surface Pressure
Flow Temperatures
Turbulence Model Quantities
Shear Stresses
Fluid Densities
Mass Fluxes, etc.
For more information about the nature and type of result, see NX Thermal
Flow Solution Options Thermal and Flow options Result Options in
the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Refresh results and reports

After running an analysis you can rewrite the results file. Select additional
result sets and rewrite the results or report files.
1. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the Results node and choose
Delete.
2. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the solution node and choose

Edit.
3. In the Edit Solution dialog box, click the Results Options tab.
4. Expand each results group and select the result sets required.
5. Expand the Control group.
6. Click Refresh Results or Refresh Reports .
7. In the Edit Solution dialog box, click OK.

Display options
You can modify the appearance of your result using Post View .
This allows you to modify the mesh and annotation display properties, adjust
translucency, and modify the legend.
Color Display
Smooth Banded Iso-Lines Spheres
Color Spectrum
Thermal
Structural Thermal Grayscale Spotlight
Inverted

Cutting plane
To create cutting planes you can use sections or create a cutting plane on
the Display tab of Post View .

You can use cutting planes and work sections at the same time in post
processing.
Rectangular coordinate system Cylindrical coordinate system
Spheric coordinate system Section cut from both sides

Markers and Identify
Use Identify and Display Marker On/Off to probe and display nodal
and elemental values from the model displayed on the graphics window. You
can also:
Display the IDs value for elements, groups, and parts.
List and write node and element data to a spreadsheet.

Arrow plots
Flow results can be scalars or vectors. In the flow post processor you can
display:
Scalar data.
Vector results for X, Y, or Z components, or combined as magnitude and

direction.
To display an arrow plot:
1. Double click a vector result type in the Simulation Navigator.
2. Click Post View .
3. Select Arrows from the Color Display list.

A cutting plane display often makes it easier to interpret arrow plots.
4. Adjust options on the Post View dialog box to obtain the most
representative view.

Streamline plots
Streamlines are curves tangent to the velocity of the flow at each point of the
fluid domain. They are defined for an instant in time and do not intersect.
They show a snap shot of the flow field and how it moves.
To display streamlines
1. Double click a vector results type in the Simulation Navigator.
3. Select Streamlines from the Color Display list.
4. Click the locations to define where the streamlines begin or end.
5. Adjust options on the Display tab to graph the most representative view.

Iso-Surface plots
An iso-surface represents points of a constant value (e.g pressures) within a
volume of space.
To display Iso-Surfaces
1. Double click a scalar results type in the Simulation Navigator.
3. Select Iso-Surfaces from the Color Display list.
4. Adjust options on the Display tab to graph the most representative view.

Animation
Animation lets you generate and control the display of a simulation.

Animate a single result across multiple time steps for transient analyses.
Animate optimization variables across multiple iterations.

Creating graphs
You can create XY graphs of:
Single or multiple result sets along a path or through iterations.
Results at a single node across multiple modes, times steps, or iterations.
Graphs are created as AFU files. Once you create a graph, you can use the
Functions and Graphing tools to further refine your graph displays.
Tip
In the Post Processing Navigator, right-click a post view and choose
Create Graph or Create Path.


Report
You can define a Report simulation object to output result values in

text or HTML format.
Data for elements and regions are available depending on the solver used
and the report type selected.
The Track During Flow Solve report type generates a text report in the
Analysis Job Information dialog box.
Note
Remember to define the Report simulation object before you run the
simulation.


Final Report
After solving your model, you can create an HTML report. This document
will include a description of material properties, physical properties,
simulation objects, loads, results, and images. You can also type in additional
information.
Select Create Report to create the report in the Simulation Navigator,

then type in additional information like, title, author, company, and
introduction.
Take the necessary snapshots of your model.
Select Export Report to display the report in HTML format.


Importing and post processing results

You can post process results from other solvers.
Supported File Extensions
The file formats supported are:

ANSYS Thermal (.rth)
I-DEAS results file (.unv)
NX Bun file (.bun)

Review questions
1. True/False. Cutting planes and work sections can be used at the same
time while post processing.
2. True/False. All available results are written in the bun file.

window.

1. True/False. Cutting planes and work sections can be used at the same
time while post processing.
True.
2. True/False. All available results are written in the bun file.

False. Only default, and selected results are written in the bun file.
After a run the results can be refreshed to write additional required
results.

window.
False. Restarts are controlled from the in the Restart tab of the Edit

Summary
Displayed results using the different post processing options available.
Generated contour and marker plots, and displayed them on cutting

planes.
Animated results and created XY graphs for analysis.
Displayed arrow, streamlines, and iso-surfaces plots.
Learned how to create reports.

Lesson
8 Duct flow networks
Purpose
This lesson explains the modeling of duct flow networks in NX Flow Advanced.
Objectives
Describe the capabilities NX Flow Advanced has to model duct networks.
List and use the Duct Flow Boundary Condition types.
Represent the cross section of ducts using beam sections.
Model heat transfer between the duct fluid and the duct walls.
Connect 1D flow networks to 3D fluid volumes.

Duct flow networks
Duct flows networks

With the duct flow capabilities of NX Flow Advanced you can:
Model steady state and transient 1D fluid flow.
Connect 1D duct elements to 3D fluid volumes.
Model scenarios like:

Pipe systems
Radiators
HVAC systems
The fluid network solution is an integral part of the NX Thermal Advanced

solver, you must create Thermal or Coupled Thermal-Flow FEMs,
Simulations, and Solutions to model fluid networks.
Pressure contours for a 1D flow network of a heat exchanger

Duct flow networks
Transient temperature contours of a heat exchanger

Duct flow networks
Duct analysis workflow

Step Description
Create duct
1. Create or import bodies or surfaces with center curves.
geometry
Mesh the network curves using 1D elements and use
the appropriate mesh collector.
2. Mesh the ducts Define the fluid materials, duct cross sections, and all
physical and material properties required.
Create the
Apply the Duct Flow Boundary Conditions required
3. duct boundary
for your model.
conditions
The solver computes mass flows, velocities, densities,
4. Solve the model pressures, flow resistances, and fluid thermal effects
in the fluid network.
You can post process velocity, pressure, density, mass
Post - Process
5. flow, Reynolds numbers, temperature, and heat flux on
Results
1D elements.

Duct flow networks
Duct networks and heat transfer

Depending on your model physics you can create duct flow networks to:
Model flow using:
1D duct elements.
Model flow with heat transfer
Model both the duct flow and the duct wall using 1D elements.
Note
Right click on the mesh of a 1D element and select Display Section to
view a graphical representation of the cross section area you defined.

Duct flow networks
Duct analysis considerations

Modeling only fluid flow in ducts
Use a Duct type mesh collector.
Modeling ducts and their walls with 1D elements

Use a Duct with thick walls type mesh collector.
Define a cross section with wall thickness, and the material of the wall
in the duct mesh collector.
Modeling Duct and 3D flow interfaces

Make sure a node from the duct mesh lies on a face of the 3D fluid mesh.
Apply a Duct to 3D Flow Connection type boundary condition from the

Duct Flow Boundary Conditions dialog box to the face of the 1D-3D
interface.
If you model the duct walls make sure you connect them to the rest of
the model via thermal couplings.

Duct flow networks
Duct flow boundary condition
Duct Flow boundary condition types Description

Define fluid movement in a duct
network. Model fans, pumps,
impellers, or inlets.
Define them in terms of:
Velocity
Duct Fan/Pump
Mass Flow
Volume Flow Rate
Pressure Rise
Define an opening or set gauge
pressure, and/or temperature
Duct Opening
Define at a node a known gauge
Duct Pressure pressure.
Model wall friction, or modify the
head loss on specific locations of the
duct network.
Duct Flow Properties Define a duct head loss modeling
object to model screens, geometry
changes, or other section changes.

Duct flow networks
Select the faces where 1D elements lie

Duct to 3D Flow Connection on a 3D flow surface.

Duct flow networks
Fluid network calculation

One dimensional flow in NX Flow Advanced is analogous to the finite different
approach used to calculate heat transfer.
Thermal Flow
Mass flow:
Heat flow
Fluid resistance:
Thermal resistance
Pressure:
Temperature
The solver
Conserves the mass flow, and uses the elements length and average cross
section as the control volume.
Uses the midpoint of each duct element as the calculation point.
Creates additional 1D thermal elements to model the duct walls when

requested.
Uses correlations for laminar, developing, and fully developed turbulent

flows in forced convection conditions. These depend on flow conditions
(Reynolds, Prandtl, Rayleigh numbers) which are determined by the fluid
network solver.

Duct flow networks
Review questions
1. True/False. 1D networks can be coupled to 3D flow regions.
2. True/False. Duct flow cross sections can not be inherited from the
geometry and must always be defined using the Section Manager.

1. True/False. 1D networks can be coupled to 3D flow regions.
True. You must indicate the faces where the 1D and 3D flow regions
share nodes.
2. True/False. Duct flow cross sections can not be inherited from the
geometry and must always be defined using the Section Manager.
False. Duct flow cross sections can be defined from the geometry and
also through the Section Manager.

Duct flow networks
Summary
Described the capabilities NX Flow Advanced to model duct networks.
Listed and used all Duct Flow boundary condition types.
Defined the cross section of ducts using beam sections.
Connected 1D flow duct networks to 3D fluid volumes.

Lesson
9 Non-Newtonian flow
Purpose
This lesson illustrates the models available in NX Flow Advanced to simulate

non-Newtonian fluids.
Objectives

Define viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
Describe and compare the three models available in NX Flow Advanced

to simulate non-Newtonian fluids.
Create modeling objects to model non-Newtonian fluids.

Non-Newtonian flow
Viscosity and Newtonian fluids

Viscosity
Is the measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow.
Is the property of a fluid that relates the shear stress t and the
deformation rate velocity gradient (deformation rate) u/y.
Newtonian fluid
A fluid is Newtonian when the shear stress is directly proportional to

the rate of deformation.
Common fluids such as water, air, gasoline are Newtonian under normal
conditions.
Laminar shear of fluid between two plates.

Non-Newtonian flow
Non-Newtonian fluids
A fluid is Non-Newtonian when the shear stress is not directly proportional
to the rate of deformation.
Fluids such as blood, paint, oils, and molten polymers are non-Newtonian.
Properties of non-Newtonian fluids are not described by a single constant

value of viscosity .
In non-Newtonian fluids the relation between the shear stress t and the
deformation rate is not linear, and various behaviors exist:
Dilatant (shear rate thickening) ex: sand.
Pseudo-plastic (shear rate thinning) ex: pulp.
Bingham plastic: blood, paint, oils.
These different behaviors can be described in NX Flow Advanced using a

Non-Newtonian modeling object of type:
Power-law for dilatant (ex: sand), and pseudo-plastic (ex: pulp).
Herschel-Bulkley for Bingham plastic (ex: blood, paint, oils).
Carreau for a generalized model that behaves as Newtonian at low shear

rate, and non Newtonian for high shear rates.
Viscosity Models

Non-Newtonian flow
Non-Newtonian fluid models

Name Viscosity Model
Power-Law
min < < max
Herschel-Bulkley
Carreau
Where:
is the shear rate. s0 is the yield stress.
n is the power law index. sint is the intersection value.
T0 is the reference temperature. is the infinite-shear viscosity.
T is the fluid temperature. l is the time constant.
0 is the yield viscosity or plastic viscosity in the Herschel-Bulkley model,

and the zero-shear viscosity in the Carreau model.

Non-Newtonian flow
Define a Non-Newtonian Fluid

In a Simulation file, with the analysis type set to Flow or Coupled
Thermal-Flow,
1. Click Modeling Objects on the Advanced Simulation toolbar.
2. In the Modeling Object Manager dialog box, select Non-Newtonian Fluid

and click Create.
3. In the Non-Newtonian Fluid dialog box, specify a name for the modeling
object.
4. Select a previously defined material from the Affected Fluid Material list,
or click Choose Material to create one.
5. From the Type menu, select the type of non-Newtonian fluid model to
create.
6. Use reference materials or experimental data to specify appropriate

values for the Additional Fluid Properties options.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the solution node and choose

Edit.
9. In the Edit Solution dialog box, click the 3D Flow tab.
10. Expand the Additional Parameters group and, click on the

Non-Newtonian Fluid row.
11. In the Modeling Objects Manager dialog box, under the Selection group,
select the previously created Non-Newtonian Fluid modeling object and
click Add to List.
12. Click Close.
13. In the Edit Solution dialog box, click OK.

Non-Newtonian flow

Non-Newtonian flow
Activities
Modeling non-Newtonian fluids
You will create a Non-Newtonian modeling object to model blood.
This activity also defines boundary conditions in terms of time dependent

functions.
You will also use a flow steady state solution as the initial condition in
a transient flow run.
See Non-Newtonian Fluid in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Non-Newtonian flow
Review questions
1. True/False. In non-Newtonian fluids the shear stress is proportional to
2. True/False. Viscocity relates the shear stress t and the deformation

rate u/y in a fluid.

1. True/False. In non-Newtonian fluids the shear stress is proportional to
False. In non-Newtonian fluids the relation between the shear stress t
and the deformation rate is not linear, and various behaviors exist.
2. True/False. Viscocity relates the shear stress t and the deformation

rate u/y in a fluid.
True

Non-Newtonian flow
Summary
Defined viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
Described and compared the three models available in NX Flow Advanced

to simulate non-Newtonian fluids.
Created modeling objects to model non-Newtonian fluids.

Lesson
10 Periodic flow
Purpose
This lesson explains how to simplify models using periodic boundary

conditions in NX Flow Advanced.
Objectives

Identify models where the geometry can be cut into periodic sections.
Create the geometry and mesh required to model a periodic flow.
Describe the advantages and limitations of periodic flows.

Periodic flow
Periodic flows
Periodic flows occur when both the geometry and the flow field repeat
themselves from one face to the next.
Periodic boundary conditions:
Force the flow and scalar fields to be identical at the periodic boundaries.
This results in a spatially cyclic solution.
Create periodicity for the fluid domain of all quantities calculated: fluid,
thermal, scalar, and turbulence.
Periodic boundary condition types:
Rotational Periodicity which lets you simulate just a portion (an

arc) of a cylindrical fluid domain.
Translational Periodicity which lets you specify a pressure drop from

the master boundary region to the slave boundary region.

Periodic flow
Periodic boundary condition requirements

The periodic boundary conditions act as if the solution domain were rolled
up so that both the selected boundaries were adjacent. For this reason you
can only use a Periodic Boundary Condition if:
The entire model can be broken down into identical periodic sections.
Each periodic section has a pair of matching and opposed periodic faces
with identical fluid conditions on the face.
The two periodic faces that represent the common boundaries of the
periodic flow must have identical meshes. You can force these meshes to
be identical by defining a 2D Dependent Mesh.
Rotational periodicity can only be applied on flat faces.

Periodic flow
Set a Periodic Boundary Condition

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click Periodic Boundary Condition
2. In the Periodic Boundary Condition dialog box, select either Rotational

Periodicity or Translational Periodicity from the Type list.
3. Define the Master Region by selecting one of the polygon faces of the
periodic boundaries.
4. Define the Slave Region by selecting the matching faces on the other
periodic boundary.
5. (Optional) You can also exclude one or more polygon faces from the
periodicity by clicking Select Object in the Master Region or Slave
Region groups, and then selecting the polygon face(s) to exclude.
6. For rotational periodicity, select the axis of revolution by specifying the

vector and the point in the Revolve Axis group.
7. (Optional) For translational periodicity, select the pressure drop From

Master to Slave by specifying the Pressure Drop.
8. Click OK.

Periodic flow

Periodic flow
Activity
Periodic flow in a heatsink
You will create a translational periodic fluid volume and mesh the master
and slave faces using a 2D dependent mesh.
You will use a 2D dependent mesh to create a matching 3D mesh.
This activity also shows how to model a pressure drop in a periodic

boundary condition.
You will also learn how to overlay post processing plots.

See Periodic Boundary Conditions in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Periodic flow
Review questions
1. True/False. Periodic boundary conditions force the flow and scalar fields
to be identical at the periodic boundaries.
2. True/False. Nodes do not need to match on the periodic faces as long as

the face geometries are identical.

1. True/False. Periodic boundary conditions force the flow and scalar fields
to be identical at the periodic boundaries.
True
2. True/False. Nodes do not need to match on the periodic faces as long as

the face geometries are identical.
False. Nodes always need to match both faces.

Periodic flow
Summary
Identified models where the geometry can be cut into periodic sections.
Created the geometry and mesh required to model a periodic flow.
Described the advantages and limitations of periodic flows.

Lesson
11 Moving frames of reference
Purpose
This lesson explains the use and applications of moving frames of reference.
Objectives
Describe the concepts behind the use of moving frames of reference.
Identify the application of moving frames of reference.
Use translating and rotating frames of reference.

Moving frames of reference

Models created in NX Flow simulate fluid flow in a fixed inertial reference
frame.
Using moving frames of reference with NX Flow Advanced, you can also
model flows in rotating frames of reference.
When using a moving frame of reference:
The rotating or translating object is assumed to be stationary.
The surrounding fluid is assumed to be moving uniformly in the opposite

direction.
No average is done at the interface between the frame of reference and

the rest of the flow.
The solver measures the perturbations in the moving fluid as it passes around
the stationary object, and produces results that correspond to the actual flow
pattern that would result from the moving object.
Rotating fan with a velocity w
Rotating frame of reference: Flow has an angular velocity of w

Applications of rotating frames of reference

Common examples of rotating frames of reference are found in rotating
devices:
Fans
Air blowers
Mixers
Common examples of translating frames of reference are found in moving

objects:
Moving vehicles
The hull of a ship
Wind tunnels

Moving frame of reference equations

When flow volumes are selected in a rotating frame of reference, centripetal
and the Coriolis forces are introduced in the momentum equations
In vector form, the source term Suj is expressed as:
where
is the rotational velocity vector
is the velocity vector

is the location vector with respect to the axis of rotation
When faces are selected

In a rotating frame of reference, a tangential velocity is applied to the
selected faces.
In a translating frame of reference, the specified velocity is applied to the

selected faces .

Set a Moving Frame of Reference simulation object

1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click Moving Frame of Reference
2. In the Moving Frame of Reference dialog box, select either Rotating

Frame of Reference or Translating Frame of Reference from the Type list.
3. Select the moving geometry

For rotating entities, select faces or adjacent polygon bodies that form
a single fluid volume. The bodies must be completely enclosed by the
volume.
For translating entities, select the faces to which to apply the relative
movement.
4. Select either the axis of rotation by specifying a vector and a point on

the axis, or define a vector to indicate the direction of the translating
movement.
5. Define a rotation rate or a displacement velocity.
6. Click OK.


Activities
Simulating an electronics fan
You will define a rotating frame of reference applied to volumes and faces.
You will define periodic boundary conditions.
This activity also shows how to create a radial section to post process
rotating devices.

See Moving Frame of Reference and Periodic Boundary Conditions in the
Advanced Simulation online Help.

Review questions
1. True/False. When using a moving frame of reference, the rotating or
translating object is assumed to be stationary.
2. True/False. Translating frames of reference can be applied to volumes

of fluid.

1. True/False. When using a moving frame of reference, the rotating or
translating object is assumed to be stationary.
True
2. True/False. Translating frames of reference can be applied to volumes

of fluid.
False. Translating frames of reference can only be applied to faces
of flow volumes.

Summary
Described the concepts behind the use of moving frames of reference.
Identified the application of moving frames of reference.
Used translating and rotating frames of reference.

Lesson
12 High speed flows
Purpose
This lesson explains how to model and the basics concepts of high speed flows
in NX Flow Advanced.
Objectives

Describe basic concepts related to high speed flows such as the speed of
sound and the Mach number.
Understand how the solver treats compressible flows.
Modify the solver options to enable high speed flow simulation.

High speed flows
Compressible flow review

The speed of sound c
Is the speed at which sound propagates through a medium under specific
conditions.
In gases, c is dependent on the molecular weight, and it is a function of

temperature c=(kRT)0.5, where k is the adiabatic exponent, R is the gas
constant, and T is the absolute temperature.
The Mach number M=V/c.

Is the ratio of flow speed V to the local speed of sound c.
Can be seen as a parameter that characterizes compressible or high

speed flows.
Compressible flows are

Flows that can have significant gradients in its fluid density.
Changes in density imply change in temperatrue, enthalpy, and
pressure.
Flows at velocities above Mach 0.3 have density changes of more than 5%
and generally are treated as compressible.

High speed flows
Supersonic flow
The general energy equation the solver uses for flows including high speed
flow is:
For low speed flows (Mach < 0.3) the energy equation is simplified. The
pressure work and dissipation terms are neglected, the equation becomes:
Flows can be classified according to their Mach number.
Table 12-1.
Flow Mach Number
Subsonic M<0.8
Subsonic Compressible M>0.3
Transonic 0.8<M<1.2
Supersonic M>1
Hypersonic * M>5
* Not supported in NX Flow

Object at a velocity V generating a sound wave.
V=0 V<c Subsonic
V>c Supersonic
V=c Sonic

High speed flows
High speed flow options

Solution options
1. On the solution node, right click Edit.
2. In the Edit Solution dialog box, click the 3D Flow tab.
3. Select the High Speed Flow check box in the Additional Parameters group.
4. Click the Results Options tab and expand the 3D Flow group.
5. Select the Mach Numbers and Fluid Densities option.
6. Click OK.
Solver parameter options
1. On the solution node, right click Edit Solver Parameters.
2. In the Solver Parameters dialog box, click the 3D Flow Solver tab.
3. Enter an appropriate Time Step and modify the Advection Schemes

group if required.
4. Click OK.

High speed flows

High speed flows
Define a Supersonic Inlet

In a Simulation file with the appropriate solver, analysis type, and solution
type specified:
1. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click Supersonic Inlet .
2. In the Supersonic Inlet dialog box, select one ore more faces that define
the supersonic inlet.
3. In the Mach Number box type the speed of the fluid as it enters the fluid
domain.
4. Select either Ambient or Specify from the list temperature and pressure
conditions outside the inlet.
5. Define the Flow Direction for fluid entering the fluid domain at the
supersonic inlet.
6. Select Automatic, Intensity and Length Scales, K-Epsilon, or K-Omega

from the Turbulence at Inlet list to define turbulence quantities at the
inlet.

High speed flows
Activity
Supersonic flow in a Nozzle
You will model and post process supersonic flow in a nozzle.
This activity also shows you how to create and mesh the geometry using a
sweep function.

See Supersonic Inlet in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

High speed flows
Review questions
1. True/False. The Mach number M is the ratio of flow speed V to the local
speed of sound c.
2. True/False. The energy equation is simplified when you simulate flows

with speeds under Mach 0.3.

1. True/False. The Mach number M is the ratio of flow speed V to the local
speed of sound c.
True.
2. True/False. The energy equation is simplified when you simulate flows

with speeds under Mach 0.3.
True

High speed flows
Summary
Described basic concepts related to high speed flows such as the speed of
sound and the Mach number.
Understood how the solver treats compressible flows.
Modified the solver options to enable high speed flow simulation.

Lesson
13 Turbulent flow
Purpose
This lesson explains the basic concepts of turbulent flow and the different
models available for it in NX Flow.
Objectives

Understand the nature of turbulence and how to model it.
Describe and compare the different approaches to model turbulence in

CFD codes.
Describe the near wall turbulent boundary layer divisions.
Recognize advantages and disadvantages of using specific NX Flow

turbulence models.
Adjust turbulence models and parameters in NX.

Turbulent flow
Turbulent flow
Turbulent flow
Is a flow regime characterized by chaotic stochastic property changes.
Can be seen as instability of laminar flow that occurs at high Reynolds

numbers: Re = rVL/ > 2300 for pipes.
Where r and are the density and viscosity of the flow, V is the velocity of
the flow, and L is a characteristic length descriptive of the flow geometry.
Has unsteady vortices on different scales which interact with each other.
Can also be seen as a random process in time.
Turbulent eddies appear in a wide range of sizes, and create an intense

mixing (effective turbulent stresses), an increased heat transfer, and an
increased momentum.
The larger scale turbulent eddies carry most of the energy and are mainly
responsible for enhanced mixing.
The smaller scale turbulent eddies are responsible for dissipating

turbulent energy as heat.
Energy Vs. Eddie Size

Turbulent flow
Nature of turbulent flows

Turbulent flows can be described as:
Irregular
Their movement is irregular or random.

Diffusive
Their behavior causes rapid mixing, increased heat transfer, and flow
resistance. These are important aspects from a engineering point of view.
Rotational
The dynamics of three-dimensional vorticity fluctuations play an
important role. Energy is transferred from large to small scale by the
interaction of vortices.
Dissipative
Viscous shear stresses perform deformation work. This work increases
the internal energy of the fluid at the expense of the kinetic energy of
turbulence.
Continuous
The smallest scale of turbulence is larger than any molecular length scale.
A Flow Feature
Turbulence is a feature of the flow, not of the fluid. Within the same
geometry, different fluids at the same turbulence level will have similar
behaviors.

Turbulent flow
Turbulence Modeling
CFD codes use different approaches to model turbulence, these can be
categorized in:
Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS)
A very fine mesh is used to solve directly the flow equations to the
smallest scales of the flow.
Is expensive due to size and complexity limiting its industrial application.

Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)
Turbulence is modeled with approximations based on the behavior of
turbulent flows to give an approximate averaged solution.
Various different models are available to model turbulence.
Is the most commonly used approach in the industry and the one used
by NX Flow.
Large Eddy Simulation (LES)
Large energy carrying eddies are simulated and small eddies are flittered
and modeled using a refined grid.
Mesh size is typically finer than a RANS model but coarser than a DNS.
Detached Eddy Simulation (DES)
Model switches between RANS and LES modeling the problem according
to physics of the flow.
Becoming more commonly used in industry applications.
Other techniques include: Reynolds Stress Model, and the Vortex method
(mesh free modeling).

Turbulent flow
Turbulence modeling in NX Flow

The Navier-Stokes (NS) equations describe flow motion including turbulent
behavior.
Momentum equation
The NS equations are the momentum equation, the continuity equation,

and energy equation.
These are nonlinear partial differential equations, whose non linearities
create instabilities and are the main contributor of turbulence.
Turbulence can be solved directly from the NS equations as long as long

as the grid is fine enough to capture all eddie scales (DNS).
To model turbulence with a coarser more treatable mesh, and considering

the nature of turbulent flow, the NS equations can be averaged in time and
space using the following equations:
Then the NS equations are transformed into the Reynolds-Averaged

Navier-Stokes RANS.
RANS Momentum equation

Turbulent flow
Reynolds stresses and the closure problem

In the RANS momentum equation, a new term appears
This term is known as the Reynolds stress tensor which creates additional
unknown variables. To solve the flow field,
The equations available are the continuity, the three momentum

equations, and the energy equation.
The variables are the three velocity components, pressure, temperature,

and the Reynolds stresses.
This is known as the closure problem. To solve the RANS equations,

additional equations are now needed to model the Reynolds stresses.
Assuming that the Reynolds stresses follows the same behavior of molecular
stresses (Boussinesq approximation), then
Finally the RANS can be solved using:
Algebraic models.
One equation models including: mixing length, fixed turbulent viscosity,

and others.
Two equation models including: k-, k-w, SST.
Transport
Molecular Turbulent

Turbulent flow
Turbulent boundary layer near the wall

A non dimensional wall distance for wall bounded flows can be defined as:
y + U* y / n
Where U* is the friction velocity at the wall, y is the distance nearest to the
wall, and n is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
In the boundary layer the region near the wall can be subdivided in three
layers:
Viscous Flows behave as laminar flows due to the molecular

viscosity. y+ < 5
Buffer (Blending) Both laminar and turbulent properties are

important. 5 < y+ < 30.
Fully Turbulent (Log-Law) Turbulent properties determine the

behavior. y+ > 30.
Nondimensional parameters of velocity against distance

Turbulent flow
Boundary layer modeling and wall functions

To model the different behavior in the boundary layer near the wall, different
approaches can be taken depending on the model being simulated.
Near-wall model: A very fine mesh is created close to the wall and the
flow is solved through all sub-layers. A k- model cannot integrate to the
wall, a wall function must be used.
Wall function: In this approach the flow near the wall is not solved
but given a semi-empirical function and wall function.
Wall functions provide boundary conditions for:
Momentum: Defining the logarithmic law for mean velocity farther

away from the walls in the turbulent region.
Energy and species transport: Defining a linear law for thermal

conduction and a logarithmic law for the turbulent region.
Turbulence: The kinetic energy equation is solved in the whole domain

in k- models.
Use wall functions where you want to avoid using a high mesh density (k-,
k-w, SST models)

Turbulent flow
Limitations of the wall function and near wall models

Avoid using the wall function in
Models with large pressure gradients along the wall.
Models with strong body forces, for example flow near a rotating body.
Models with complex 3D geometry near the wall.
Models with transpiration through the wall modeled with porous

blockages.
Avoid using the near-wall model in

First pass models, as it is computationally expensive.
Models with high Reynolds numbers.
Models that do not have at least 510 nodes in the viscous sublayer.

Turbulent flow
Available turbulence models

All RANS models calculate the turbulent viscosity t differently. Use them
according to the physics of your model. The models available in NX Flow are:
Fixed Viscosity
Defines uniform turbulence levels throughout the model, therefore it can

be inaccurate and should only be used for an initial study.
Mixing Length
Ideal for validated applications or quick initial analyses during early

design stages.
k-
It is widely used in the industry, and is more accurate than the Fixed
Viscosity or Mixing Length models, however it must be used with wall
functions.
Not ideal for large pressure gradients, flow separation, or free shear flow.
k-w
w
Allows integration through the viscous sublayer. No wall functions are

required.
Better predicts large pressure gradients.

Shear Stress Transport (SST)
Is a combination of the k-w and the k- models. It behaves as the k-w
formulation in the inner parts of the boundary layer, and as a k- model in
the free stream.
It is a better model for adverse pressure gradients and separating flow.
This model is computationally expensive.

Turbulent flow
Fixed viscosity turbulence model

The turbulent viscosity t, is evaluated from:
t=0.01rVml
Where:
Vm is the mean flow velocity scale, and
l is a turbulent eddy length scale.

Turbulent flow
Mixing length turbulence model

The mixing length turbulence model is a zero-equation model which uses the
following relationship to calculate the turbulent viscosity:
Where
l is the mixing length
S is the modulus of the mean strain rate.
The mixing length l and damping factor fl are defined as:
Where
k is the Von Karman constant (k =0.41).
yn is the normal distance from the node to the wall.
ymax is a characteristic length scale for the model.

Turbulent flow
k- turbulence model
With the standard two-equation k- model, the turbulent viscosity is
evaluated from:
Where
k is the turbulent kinetic energy.
is the dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy.
C is a constant.
r is the density of the fluid.
The turbulent kinetic energy, k, and the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic
energy, , are obtained by solving their conservation equations.
Where
and are the effective diffusion coefficients of k and

, respectively, and Pk is the production rate of the turbulent kinetic energy
defined as:

Turbulent flow
k- turbulence model
With the standard k-w turbulence model, the turbulent viscosity is given as
Where
k is the turbulent kinetic energy.
is the dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy.
r is the density of the fluid.
The turbulent kinetic energy, k, and the specific dissipation rate of turbulent
kinetic energy, w, are obtained by solving their conservation equations.
The equation for k is
The equation for w is
where and are the effective diffusion coefficients

of k and w, respectively, for the k-w model. Pk is the production rate of
turbulent kinetic energy.

Turbulent flow
Shear stress transport turbulence model

With the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model, the turbulent
viscosity is
where the equations for k and w are:
When
F1 = 0, the transport equations are equivalent to the k- model.
F1 = 1, the transport equations are equivalent to the k-w.
For further details see the Turbulence section of the NX Flow Reference
Manual.

Turbulent flow
Setting a turbulence model

1. In a flow or coupled solution, open the Edit Solution or Create Solution
dialog box.
2. Click the Solution Details tab.
3. In the Solve Options group choose the turbulence model from the
Turbulence Model list.
If you select the Fixed Turbulent Viscosity or the Mixing Length models:
Click the 3D Flow tab, expand the Characteristic Scales group and
enter the appropriate Length Scales.
4. (Optional) Click the Initial Conditions tab to set global initial turbulence
values.
For the two-equation models (K-Epsilon, Shear Stress Transport
SST and K-Omega), boundary and initial conditions must be set for the
two additional equations. You can enter a value or set it to Automatic.
5. Click OK.
6. (Optional) Set local initial turbulence conditions using the Initial

Conditions constraint.

Turbulent flow
Setting wall functions

You can set the wall functions:
Globally from the Friction and Convection Parameters group in the 3D
Flow tab of the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog boxes, or
Locally, using a Flow Surface simulation object.
Wall function guidelines:

For k-w/ SST models do not use wall functions if you have more than 5-10
grid points in the viscous sublayer. These can be meshed in the viscous
sublayer (y+<10).
Poor results are obtained when you use wall functions if y+<10.
Boundary layer meshes can also improve wall function results by creating
a smooth set of first nodes from the wall.
Post process y+ results to verify your model.

Turbulent flow
Setting turbulence initial and boundary conditions

Boundary and initial conditions must be set for the two equation turbulence
models. You can specify the Turbulence Characteristic method for:
The global initial condition on the Initial Condition tab of the Create
Solution and Edit Solution dialog boxes.
The local initial condition if you choose Initial Fluid Turbulence 3D

Flow in the Type list of the Initial Conditions constraint.
The boundary condition for the flow entering or leaving the fluid domain
in the External Conditions dialog box.
The boundary condition of the returning flow in the Return Flow group of
the Recirculation Loop type of the Flow Boundary Condition dialog box.
The boundary condition in the Supersonic Inlet dialog box.
For all two-equation models you can select Automatic or one of the other
methods to enter the turbulence characteristics.
Manual.

Turbulent flow

Turbulent flow
Setting turbulence initial and boundary conditions

When you select a turbulence characteristic option other than automatic, NX
Flowcalculates k, and w from I and lt as follows:
k=3(Vl)2/2
=k3/2/lt
w=(k)/0.09lt
Thus, the relationship between k, and w is = 0.09kw
With the Automatic method of calculating turbulence characteristics, NX
Flowcalculates k, and w slightly differently depending upon the context.
Applied to global initial conditions, NX Flow calculates k, and w using
the equations above with turbulence intensity of I = 0.06 and an eddy
length of lt equal to the global length scale.
Applied to Inlet type of Flow Boundary Condition, NX Flow calculates k,

and w using the equations above with turbulence intensity of I = 0.06
and an eddy length of lt = 0.25 Afan where Afan is the surface area of
the inlet fan.
Applied to Opening type of Flow Boundary Condition, NX Flow calculates

k, and w using the equations above with turbulence intensity of I = 0.03
and an eddy length of lt = 0.25 Avent where Avent is the surface area of
the inlet vent.
Manual.

Turbulent flow
Review questions
1. True/False. Using a mixing length turbulence model provides an accurate
turbulence simulation for all situations.
2. True/False. NX Flow uses the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes approach

to model turbulence.

1. True/False. Using a mixing length turbulence model provides an accurate
turbulence simulation for all situations.
False. Using a mixing length turbulence model should be limited to
validated applications or quick initial analyses during early design
stages.
2. True/False. NX Flow uses the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes approach

to model turbulence.
True.

Turbulent flow
Summary
Understood the nature of turbulence and how to model it.
Described and compared the different approaches to model turbulence in

CFD codes.
Described the turbulence near the wall boundary layer divisions.
Recognized advantages and disadvantages of using specific NX Flow

turbulence models.
Adjusted turbulence models and parameters in NX.

Lesson
14 Humidity
Purpose
This lesson explains the mathematical model, use, and application of

humidity.
Objectives

Describe the mathematical models used to calculate humidity.
Define humidity initial and boundary conditions.
Create models using initial humidity values.

Humidity
Humidity overview
The flow solver models humidity with a general scalar equation. It traces the
movement of water vapor through the fluid domain, updating the density (r),
specific heat at constant pressure (Cp), thermal conductivity (k), and dynamic
viscosity () at each iteration.
You can define humidity by specifying:
Relative or specific humidity values for air entering the flow domain.
As an initial condition on the flow domain.
Post process humidity values as relative humidity or specific humidity results

sets.

Humidity
Gas mixtures
In addition to the mass, momentum, and energy equations, NX Flow solves
general scalar equations that have the following form:
Here the mass ratio is defined as
Where:
ra, r, and r represent the density of the main fluid, the density of the
scalar, and the density of the fluid mixture, respectively.
D is the scalar diffusion coefficient, and
is the turbulent or Reynolds flux where is the fluctuating mass

fraction of the scalar.
The gas mixture properties are updated each iteration based on the
assumption that the two gases behave as perfect gases, following the ideal
gas equations of state:
See Modeling humidity on the Flow Reference Manual in the online Help.

Humidity
Modeling humidity
Humidity (water vapor in air) is modeled using the gas mixture scalar
equation.
The boundary and initial conditions are specified either in terms of:
Relative humidity.
Specific humidity.
The preprocessor converts relative and specific humidity to mass ratio values
to be used in the scalar equation, then the postprocessor converts them back
for result display.
The relative humidity values are converted into mass ratios using the
saturation pressure of the water vapor at a given temperature calculated
from polynomial analytical formulas using:
The specific humidity values are converted to mass ratios with:
Where
fr is the relative humidity
fs is the specific humidity
Rv is the water vapor gas constant, and Ra is the airs gas constant.
pv is the partial pressure of the water vapor

Humidity
Define Humidity
1. Define humidity on one of these dialog boxes: Create Solution, Edit
Solution, External Conditions, or Initial Conditions.
2. Choose Relative or Specific from the Humidity list.

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air expressed
as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air could
hold at a given temperature. Type a percentage value in the Relative
Humidity (%) box.
Specific humidity is the ratio of water vapor to dry air. Type a value in
the Water Vapor to Dry Air Mass Ratio box.
3. In the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog box, open the Results
Options tab and select the Humidity and Scalars, PPD (Predicted Percent
Dissatisfied), and PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) check boxes.

See 3D Flow Result Options in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Humidity

Humidity
Activity
Modeling humidity around an aluminum can
Define initial humidity values.
Post process humidity results.

See Modeling Humidity in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Humidity
Review questions
1. True/False. You define humidity in terms of mass ratio.
2. True/False. The gas mixture properties are updated each iteration based
on the assumption that the two gases behave as perfect gases.

1. True/False. You define humidity in terms of mass ratio.
False. You define humidity in terms of relative or specific humidity
and the solver converts these values into mass ratio to use them in the
general scalar equations.
2. True/False. The gas mixture properties are updated each iteration based
on the assumption that the two gases behave as perfect gases.
True.

Humidity
Summary
Described the mathematical models used to calculate humidity.
Defined humidity initial and boundary conditions.
Created models using initial humidity values.

Lesson
15 Particle tracking
Purpose
This lesson explains the theory, capabilities, and use of particle tracking
in NX Flow Advanced.
Objectives

Describe the mathematical model used to calculate particle tracking.
Inject massless and heavy particles in flow models.
Post process particles in steady state analyses.

Particle tracking
Particle tracking
NX Flow Advanced allows you to simulate the trajectories and distribution of
particles in a flow field.
Particles can be modeled with and without mass.
Particle movement is transient and can be computed for both steady-state

and transient flows.
The flow field impacts the particle trajectory but it remains unaffected by
the presence of particles. Particles are said to be modeled in a one-way
coupling.
The effect of turbulence in particles is also modeled.
You can post process location and density of particles.
Common applications of particle tracking include modeling of filters, sinks,

mixers, and particulate dispersion analyses.

Particle tracking
Particle tracking equations

NX Flow Advanced uses a lagrangian model and discrete particles. The
equation of particle motion is obtained by balancing the particle inertia and
hydrodynamic forces.
Where:
W is the velocity of the particle and U the velocity of the flow.
Cd is the drag of the particle.
R is a random vector.
rp and rL are the densities of the particle and the flow.
lelement are the volume and length of the element.
The different terms on the particle tracking governing equation represent:
Particle inertia Buoyancy

Pressure force Viscous drag
Brownian diffusion
This formulation considers the effect of the fluid as if it were diverted by the
particle with no wake effects included in the model.
Note
Brownian motion is the apparent random movement of particles
suspended in a fluid due to turbulence.

Particle tracking
Turbulent particle motion

The turbulent particle interactions are modeled following a Brownian
dynamic approach and using the turbulent viscosity t obtained from the
turbulence models.
Particle movement is estimated within the boundaries of an element
during a particle time step.
A particle moves an average displacement |r| after a time scale t

according to |r|2 Dt, where D is the particle diffusivity.
The estimated time of the particle within the element is used to determine
the averaging time scale t 3(volelement)/|U| lelement/|U|
This particle diffusivity is given by D=(kbT)/(6 ra) where kb is a

constant of the fluid, its viscosity, and T its the temperature, ra is the
size of the particles.
The effect of turbulence in the particle is modeled adding the turbulent

eddy diffusivity from the turbulence models into the particle difussivity
D=(kbT)/(6 ra) + (t/r).

Particle tracking
Set up a particle tracking simulation

1. Create the fluid mesh with fluid material properties.
2. (Optional) For transient analyses, select Tecplot and/or CGNS check

boxes in the Optional Output Format group of the Results Option tab of
the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog box.
3. For the steady state analysis, specify the Injection Duration and Output
Control on the 3D Flow Solver tab of the Solver Parameters dialog box to
set the nominal output frequency.
4. Create appropriate flow boundary conditions.
5. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click Simulation Object Type ,
and then click Particle Injection .
6. In the Region group, click Select Object and select the polygon faces
or mesh element faces where the particles are injected.
7. (Optional) Define mass and size of the injected particles by selecting Mass
and Size Options check box.
8. Select an option from the Inflow Density list to specify how particle
inflow density is calculated. Your selection determines the other options
available on the Particle Injection dialog box.
9. Solve the model.

Particle tracking

Particle tracking
Particle tracking solver parameters

Access the Solver Parameters dialog box to control the Steady State Particle
Controls.
You can adjust:
Particle Injection Duration
Output Option to write particle tracking results at:

specific time intervals, or
a total number of outputs.

Particle tracking
Activities
Particle tracking in a sink
Simulate massless particles.
You will also define particles with a specific mass and size.
This activity illustrates particle tracking post processing.
See Particle Tracking in the Advanced Simulation online Help.

Particle tracking
Review questions
1. True/False. The fluid flow is affected by the particles injected.
2. True/False. Brownian motion is the apparent random movement of

particles suspended in a fluid.

1. True/False. The fluid flow is affected by the particles injected.
False. The flow field impacts the particle trajectory but it remains
unaffected by presence of particles. Particles are said to be modeled in
a one-way coupling.
2. True/False. Brownian motion is the apparent random movement of

particles suspended in a fluid.
True.

Particle tracking
Summary
Described the mathematical model used to calculate particle tracking.
Injected massless and heavy particles in flow models.
Post processed particles in steady state analyses.

Lesson
16 Flow mapping
Purpose
This lesson shows how to map flow forces to an external solver.
Objectives
Generate mapping results to use in other solvers.
Define specific mapping zones in your model.
Set up mapping attributes and output formats.

Flow mapping
Mapping overview
NX Flow allows results transfer from a source model to another solver.
For example, transfer flow forces from to include them in stress or distortion
analyses.
Flow forces mapping
Flow mapping associates the face of the fluid element source model to the
closest nodes on the target model.
Static pressure and shear stress results are mapped to vector forces
generated by the fluid on the surface of the target model.
General considerations
The FEM global coordinate system from target model must be the same
as in the source model.
Both models should be geometrically congruent but do not need to have

the same mesh.
Mapped flow forces are written in a result file (.bun).

Flow mapping
Set up a mapping solution

To map results you need two solutions referencing their respective FEM files.
The solutions can be in the same or different Simulation files.
1. (Optional) Create one or more mapping constraints in the source solution.
2. (Optional) Create one or more Mapping Target Set constraints in the

target solution.
3. Solve the thermal or flow (source) model to obtain the results you want
to map.
Note
If you create or modify mapping constraints in the source model at
any point after you solve the source model, you must export these
constraints before you execute the mapping.
4. Open the target model Simulation file, then right-click the Simulation file
and choose New solution to create the target solution.
5. On the Create Solution dialog box, choose NX THERMAL / FLOW from the
Solver list and Mapping from the Analysis Type list.
6. Expand the Thermal-Flow group at the bottom of the dialog box.
7. Fill out the options on both the Mapping Details tab and the Optional
Output tab of the Create Solution dialog box.
8. (Optional) If you have created one or more Zone constraints in the source
solution, create matching Zone Association constraints in the target
solution.
9. In the target solution, Solve to execute the mapping.

Flow mapping

Flow mapping
Mapping zones in the source model
Create a Mapping constraint to select specific entities to map. You

will decrease processing time for very large models, and be able to map
non-congruent geometry.
1. Add a Mapping constraint in the source Simulation file.
2. Select the entities that have the results you want to map.
3. Run your analysis.

Flow mapping
Zone association in target model

1. Activate your mapping solution.
2. Add a Zone Association constraint set in your target model (mapping

solution).
3. Select Association to Flow Zone types.
4. Select destination elements or nodes to which you want to map the flow
forces results.
5. Click Update Zones and select the zone you created in the source solution
from the Flow Zone.
6. Click OK.

Flow mapping
Optional output formats

Select the output format to generate in your mapping solution in the Optional
Output tab of the Create Solution or Edit Solution dialog boxes.
The default output of a mapping analysis is set to generate pressures in
Nastran format.
You can control model numbering with the Nastran SID Start Number
and Nastran SID Increment options.
Additional output options are also available:

Select Ansys, Abaqus, and/or TMG check boxes to produce mapped output
in the XML format used by these solvers.

Flow mapping
Loading pressures mapping results in NX Nastran

To preload an NX Nastran model with mapped temperatures:
1. Create a new Structural solution with solver set to NX NASTRAN.
2. In Simulation Navigator, right-click Subcase Loads, Constraints, and

choose Edit Solution Step.
3. In the Temperature Pre-load group choose NX Thermal Temperatures

from the Pre-Load Type list and specify the location of the .bun file in the
NX Thermal Pre-Load Results File field.
4. In the Force Pre-load group choose NX Flow Pressures and Shear Forces
from the Pre-Load Type list and specify the location of the .bun file in the
NX Flow Pre-Load Results File field.
5. Click OK.

Flow mapping
Activity
Mapping pressures on a valve mode
This activity demonstrates how to map results from a flow to a structural
analysis.
You will also learn how to create flow zones to map specific areas from a
source model, then map these areas to target sets in the target model.

Flow mapping
Review questions
1. True/False. In order to map results, the solver creates associations
between the face of the fluid element source model to the closest nodes
on the target model.
2. True/False. The FEM global coordinate system from target model and
the source model can be different.

1. True/False. In order to map results, the solver creates associations
between the face of the fluid element source model to the closest nodes
on the target model.
True.
2. True/False. The FEM global coordinate system from target model and
the source model can be different.
False. The FEM global coordinate system from target model must be
the same as in the source model.

Flow mapping
Summary
Created mapping results and use them in other solvers.
Learned how to define specific mapping zones in your model.
Set up mapping attributes and output formats.

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Course Agenda
NX Flow Analysis
Monday Morning
Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 2: Fluid volume creation and meshing
o Activity: Preprocessing an electronics fan (25 minutes)
o Activity: Meshing a complex air volume using flow domains (60 minutes)
Afternoon
Lesson 2: Meshing and material properties
o Activity: Meshing, material libraries, and assembly FEMs review (20 minutes)
Lesson 3: Computational fluid dynamics introduction
o Activity: Visualizing flow patterns inside a valve (30 minutes)
o Activity: Boundary layer mesh creation and solution of a train assembly (30
minutes)
Tuesday Morning
Lesson 4: Flow boundary conditions
o Activity: Flow through a catalytic converter (25 minutes)
o Activity: Converter and muffler assembly (25 minutes)
Lesson 5: Flow solution options and parameters
o Activity: Flow in a piston engine (60 minutes)
Afternoon
Lesson 5: Non-Newtonian Flow
o Activity: Modeling non-Newtonian fluids (Artery) (60 minutes)
Lesson 6: Periodic flows
o Activity: Periodic flow in a heatsink (35 minutes)
Lesson 7: Rotating frames of reference
o Activity: Simulating an electronics fan (30 minutes)
Wednesday Morning
Lesson 8: High speed flows
o Activity: Supersonic flow in a Nozzle (25 minutes)
Lesson 9: Turbulent Flow
Lesson 10: Humidity
o Activity: Modeling humidity around an aluminum can (50 minutes)
Afternoon
Lesson 11: Particle tracking
o Activity: Particle tracking in a sink (35 minutes)
Lesson 5: Flow mapping
o Activity: Mapping pressures on a valve model (60 minutes)
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Accelerators
The following Accelerators can be listed from within an NX session by choosing
InformationCustom MenubarAccelerators.
Function Accelerator
FileNew... Ctrl+N
FileOpen... Ctrl+O
FileSave Ctrl+S
FileSave As... Ctrl+Shift+A
FilePlot... Ctrl+P
FileExecuteGrip... Ctrl+G
FileExecuteDebug Grip... Ctrl+Shift+G
FileExecuteNX Open... Ctrl+U
EditUndo Ctrl+Z
EditRedo Ctrl+Y
EditCut Ctrl+X
EditCopy Ctrl+C
EditPaste Ctrl+V
EditDelete... Ctrl+D or Delete
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Feature F
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Face G
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Body B
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Edge E
EditSelectionTop Selection Priority - Component C
EditSelection-Select All Ctrl+A
EditShow and HideShow and Hide... (by type) Ctrl+W
EditShow and HideHide... Ctrl+B
EditShow and HideInvert Shown and Hidden Ctrl+Shift+B
EditShow and HideImmediate Hide Ctrl+Shift+I
EditShow and HideShow... Ctrl+Shift+K
EditShow and HideShow All Ctrl+Shift+U
EditTransform... Ctrl+T
EditMove Object Ctrl+Shift+M
EditObject Display... Ctrl+J
ViewOperationZoom... Ctrl+Shift+Z
ViewOperationRotate... Ctrl+R
ViewOperationSection... Ctrl+H
ViewLayoutNew... Ctrl+Shift+N
ViewLayoutOpen... Ctrl+Shift+O
ViewLayoutFit All Views (only with multiple views) Ctrl+Shift+F
ViewLayoutFit Ctrl+F
ViewVisualizationHigh Quality Image... Ctrl+Shift+H
ViewInformation Window F4
Hide or show the current dialog box F3
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ViewReset Orientation Ctrl+F8
InsertSketch... S
InsertDesign FeatureExtrude... X
InsertDesign FeatureRevolve... R
InsertTrimTrimmed Sheet... T
InsertSweepVariational Sweep... V
FormatLayer Settings... Ctrl+L
FormatVisible in View... Ctrl+Shift+V
FormatWCSDisplay W
ToolsExpression... Ctrl+E
ToolsUpdateMake First Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Home
ToolsUpdateMake Previous Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Left Arrow
ToolsUpdateMake Next Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+Right Arrow
ToolsUpdateMake Last Feature Current Ctrl+Shift+End
ToolsJournalPlay... Alt+F8
ToolsJournalEdit Alt+F11
ToolsMacroStart Record... Ctrl+Shift+R
ToolsMacroPlayback... Ctrl+Shift+P
ToolsMacroStep... Ctrl+Shift+S
ToolsMovieRecord Alt+F5
ToolsMovieStop Alt+F7
InformationObject... Ctrl+I
AnalysisCurveRefresh Curvature Graphs Ctrl+Shift+C
PreferencesObject... Ctrl+Shift+J
PreferencesSelection... Ctrl+Shift+T
StartModeling... M or Ctrl+M
StartAll ApplicationsShape Studio... Ctrl+Alt+S
StartDrafting... Ctrl+Shift+D
StartManufacturing... Ctrl+Alt+M
StartNX Sheet Metal... Ctrl+Alt+N
StartAssemblies A
HelpOn Context... F1
Refresh F5
Fit Ctrl+F
Zoom F6
Rotate F7
Orient View-Trimetric Home
Orient View-Isometric End
Orient View-Top Ctrl+Alt+T
Orient View-Front Ctrl+Alt+F
Orient View-Right Ctrl+Alt+R
Orient View-Left Ctrl+Alt+L
Snap View F8
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Nastran Flow Mt15024

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What is the purpose of this guide?

What is the purpose of this guide?

What are the main steps of the fluid simulation process according to the guide?

What are the main steps of the fluid simulation process according to the guide?

NX Flow Analysis

This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product

2 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Fluid volume creation and meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Meshing and material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Fluid material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

Computational fluid dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Fluid Dynamics review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Flow initial conditions and boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Modifying global initial conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

4 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

3D flow convection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Flow solution options and solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

NX Flow solver capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

NX Flow post-processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Advanced Simulation post processing generalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

Duct flow networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Non-Newtonian flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Periodic flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Moving frames of reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

High speed flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

6 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Review questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-8

Turbulent flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

Particle tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1

Flow mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1

8 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

The NX Flow Analysis course introduces product simulation and analysis

NX Advanced Simulation Processes class.

How to use this guide

The activities illustrate the concepts presented by the instructor.

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

Understand how NX Flow fits within the Advanced Simulation

NX Flow Analysis 1-1

Perform flow analyses in steady state or transient conditions.

Model fluid flow patterns, turbulence, lift, drag, buoyancy, non-newtonian

Model fluid structure interaction by mapping flow results to a structural

1-2 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Step 5: Apply boundary conditions.

Step 6: Review and modify solution options and solver parameters

Step 7: Post process your results and prepare a report.

NX Flow Analysis 1-3

Access the application

3. In the New FEM and Simulation dialog box, select Solver: NX

1-4 NX Flow Analysis mt15024 NX 7

Understood how NX Flow fits within the Advanced Simulation

NX Flow Analysis 1-5

2 Fluid volume creation and

This lesson illustrates the creation of fluid volumes.

Describe the meshing techniques used in NX Flow for volumes of fluids.

Create fluid surface meshes and boundary layer meshes.

NX Flow Analysis 2-1

The fluid volume

Extract the internal cavities

2. Subtract internal obstructions