Simulation Software for Fluids and SolidsSimulation Water Wheel Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI)
The simulation of the Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) in a water wheel can be perfectly performed using NOGRID points CFD software. Such simulations are essential for understanding how water forces affect the movement and deformation of mechanical structures. NOGRID points CFD software delivers highly detailed responses.
Challenges of free surfaces in fluid mechanical systems
Free surfaces in fluid mechanical systems present a significant challenge for numerical simulation methods on their own. Many applications also involve moving structures that interact with the fluid. In most cases, realistic modeling with standard software is either not feasible or would require an uneconomical amount of time and computational power to solve everyday simulation tasks.
One such example is the simulation of a water wheel accelerated by fluid injected from a nozzle at the top of the domain. A thorough understanding of this process is essential for guiding the design and optimization of the wheel's hull.
In grid-based methods, such simulations are usually simplified. Instead of allowing the wheels to move freely during acceleration, the shape of the wheels is often kept completely fixed, and their position and orientation do not respond to the fluid. This technique reduces computation time and numerical inaccuracies due to remeshing.
FSI modeling in NOGRID points CFD software
In contrast to other fluid modeling tools, NOGRID points - a meshless CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software - permits several approaches to model the described scenario more realistically. There are no restrictions on the movement of the wheels; all six degrees of freedom - three for the velocity and three for the rotational motion of the rigid body - are available.
In the approach presented here the water wheel is placed inside a box that is initially empty. The water wheel is modeled as a set of faces that can move freely within the fluid. The fluid-structure interaction of the fluid with these faces is further determined by the wheel's center of gravity, its mass, and its inertia tensor. At time t=0, the fluid begins injecting from the top nozzle, and shortly thereafter it interacts with and accelerates the wheel.
Capabilities of NOGRID points
NOGRID combines the capability to handle free-surface flows and moving parts within the domain, enabling the simulation of any conceivable geometry and operating mode, such as
- fully 3D computation solving the complete Navier-Stokes equations
- easy and intuitive setup for FSI (Fluid-Structure-Interaction) cases
- freely definable material properties by equations or curves
- simulation of any wheel geometry with small gaps or cutouts
- open or closed domains, including moving of additional parts
Why choose Nogrid?
NOGRID provides professional CFD software for the simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Its efficient modelling workflow helps engineers analyse flow behaviour, evaluate designs and make informed decisions without creating a conventional volume mesh.
Faster model preparation
With NOGRID, only the geometry boundary needs to be meshed. The finite points inside the fluid domain are generated automatically according to user-defined settings, both at the start of the simulation and during the calculation.
This approach reduces preprocessing effort and makes it easier to prepare complex geometries and cavities for simulation.
Efficient CFD workflow
The modelling process follows four straightforward steps:
Build the geometry. Mesh the boundary. Define the simulation. Start the calculation.
NOGRID is designed to provide short computation times, including for applications involving complex cavities. Engineers can use the resulting data to examine flow distribution and other relevant flow characteristics.
Better insight into fluid-flow processes
CFD solves the fundamental equations governing fluid flow. NOGRID software enables engineers to predict and analyse the behaviour of fluids and related physical processes before or alongside physical testing.
The simulation results can support:
- evaluation and comparison of design alternatives
- optimisation of construction and operating parameters
- improved planning reliability
- reduction of development time and testing effort
- faster progression from design to market or operation
Steps from geometry generation to simulation results
TRAINING
Our two-day training courses teach participants how to set up, run and evaluate simulations efficiently with NOGRID CFD software. The courses include practical guidance for handling different types of simulation cases.
For more details please refer to Training Courses →
Technical Support
Professional support is available from the beginning of your work with NOGRID. Our technical team assists users by telephone and email with software operation, case setup and simulation-related questions.
For more details please refer to Software Support →
Simulation Service
When internal time, expertise or resources are limited, NOGRID can support your project with individual numerical simulation services. Our engineers develop and evaluate CFD models based on the specific requirements of your application.
For more details please refer to Software Support →