tut 01 static mixer

CFX-5 Tutorials Page 7

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CFX-5 Tutorials

Tutorial 1

Flow in a Static Mixer

Sample files used in this tutorial can be copied to your workingdirectory from <CFXROOT>/examples. See Working Directory (p. 2)and Sample Files (p. 3) for more information.

Sample files referenced by this tutorial include:

• StaticMixerMesh.gtm

• StaticMixer.pre

Flow in a Static Mixer—Introduction

Page 8 CFX-5 Tutorials


1.A: Introduction

1.A.1: Features explored in this tutorial

Introduction: This tutorial addresses the following features of CFX-5.

You learn about:

• problem setup using Quick Setup Mode in CFX-Pre

• modifying the outline plot in CFX-Post

• using streamlines in CFX-Post to trace the flowfield from a point

• viewing temperature using coloured planes and contours in CFX-Post

• creating an animation and saving it to an MPEG file

• using camera objects to save and load views in CFX-Post

Component Feature Details

CFX-Pre User Mode Quick Setup Wizard

Simulation Type Steady State

Fluid Type General Fluid

Domain Type Single Domain

Turbulence Model k-Epsilon

Heat Transfer Thermal Energy

Boundary Conditions Inlet (Subsonic)

Outlet (Subsonic)

Wall: No-Slip

Wall: Adiabatic

Timestep Physical Timescale

CFX-Post Plots Animation

Contour

Outline Plot (Wireframe)

Point

Slice Plane

Streamline

Other Camera Object

Legend

MPEG Generation

Object Drag and Drop

Flow in a Static Mixer—Introduction



1.A.2: Before beginning this tutorial

Introduction: It is necessary that you have a working directory and thatsample files have been copied to that directory. This procedure is detailedin "Introduction to the CFX-5 Tutorials" on page 1.

Unless you review the introductory materials and perform required stepsincluding setting up a working directory and copying related sample files,the rest of this tutorial may not work correctly. It is recommended that youperform the tasks in Tutorial 1, Tutorial 2 and Tutorial 3 before working withother tutorials as these three tutorials detail specific procedures that aresimplified in subsequent tutorials.

1.A.3: Overview of the problem to solve

Introduction: In this tutorial, a static mixer consisting of two off–line inletpipes delivering water into a mixing vessel is used. You establish a generalworkflow for analysing the flow of fluid into and out of a mixer. This tutorialis important because it uses a simple problem to teach the generalapproach taken when working with an existing mesh.

Water enters through both pipes at the same rate but at differenttemperatures. The first entry is at a rate of 2.0m/s and a temperature of315.0K and the second entry is at a rate of 2.0 m/s at a temperature of285.0K. The radius of the mixer is 2m.

Your goal in this tutorial is to understand how to use CFX-5 to determine thespeed and temperature of the water when it exits the static mixer.

Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe

2.0 m/s285.0 K

2.0 m/s315.0 K

r=2.0m

Flow in a Static Mixer—Defining a Simulation Using Quick Setup Mode in CFX-Pre



1.B: Defining a Simulation Using Quick SetupMode in CFX-Pre

Introduction: After having completed meshing CFX-Pre is used as aconsistent and intuitive interface for the definition of complex CFDproblems.

Synopsis Quick Setup Mode provides a simple wizard–like interface for setting upsimple cases. This is useful for getting familiar with the basic elements of aCFD problem setup. This section describes using Quick Setup to develop asimulation in CFX-Pre.

WorkflowOverview

Do not perform any of the following tasks now. For review purposes only thissection provides a brief summary of the topics to follow as a generalworkflow:

1. "Creating a New Simulation" on page 11

2. "Defining Basic Settings of General Physics" on page 12

3. "Importing a Mesh" on page 13

4. "Defining Model Data" on page 15

5. "Defining Solver Parameters" on page 16

6. "Defining Boundaries" on page 16

7. "Setting Boundary Data" on page 17

8. "Setting Flow Specification" on page 18

9. "Setting Temperature Specification" on page 18

10. "Reviewing Boundary Conditions Definition for Accuracy" on page 19

11. "Creating the Second Inlet Boundary Definition" on page 20

12. "Creating the Outlet Boundary Definition" on page 20

13. "Moving to General Mode" on page 21

14. "Writing the Solver (.def) File." on page 22

15. As an alternative to these steps, you can also review "Playing the Session

File" on page 23




To begin this tutorial and create a new simulation in CFX-Pre, continue from"Creating a New Simulation" on page 11.

Tip: If you are already familiar with CFX-Pre, or if you simply want to skipthe manual process of creating a flow physics simulation, you can playa session file to complete the CFX-Pre part of the tutorial. To do so, see"Playing the Session File" on page 23.

1.B.1: Creating a New Simulation

Introduction: Before importing and working with a mesh, a simulation needsto be started using Quick Setup.

Synopsis By entering information in the User Mode Workspace—which containsforms designed to guide you through setting up a simple simulation—youcan define a simulation quickly. More information on Quick Setup can befound in "Quick Setup Mode" on page 19 in the document "CFX-Pre".

After filling out forms in the User Mode Workspace some simulations areready to be solved. However, other simulations require further changesusing General Mode (the normal mode of operation). In Tutorial 2 youcontinue working with this simulation in General Mode.

Two procedures are documented. Depending on your installation of CFX-5follow either the Standalone procedure or the Workbench procedure. Formore information, refer to "CFX-5.7.1 in Workbench" on page 19.

Procedure inStandalone

1. If required, launch CFX-Pre.

2. Select File > New Simulation.

3. Click Quick Setup in the New Simulation File window.

4. If required, set the path location to a different folder.

5. Under File name type StaticMixer.

6. Click Save.

The User Mode tab is displayed.

7. Proceed to "Defining Basic Settings of General Physics" on page 12.

Procedure inWorkbench

1. If required, launch Workbench.

2. Click Empty Project.

The Project Page will appear displaying an unsaved project.

3. Select File > Save or click Save.





5. Under Filename, type StaticMixer.

6. Click Save.

7. Click Start CFX-Pre under Advanced CFD on the left hand Task Bar.

8. Select File > New Simulation.

9. Click Quick Setup in the New Simulation File window.


11. Under File name type StaticMixer.

12. Click Save.

The User Mode tab is displayed.

1.B.2: Defining Basic Settings of General Physics

Introduction: You need to define the properties of fluids used in simulations.

Synopsis A variety of fluids are already defined as library materials. This tutorial usesa prepared fluid—Water— which is a General Fluid whose properties arethat of water at 25°C. However, you can develop your own custom fluids.For details about material property modifications, see "Materials Editor:Pure Substance" on page 131 in the document "CFX-Pre".

Procedure 1. Ensure Basic Settings is displayed.

2. Under Domain Name type StaticMixer.

3. Under Fluid select Water.




1.B.3: Importing a Mesh

Introduction: At least one mesh must be imported before physics areapplied.

Synopsis An assembly is a group of mesh regions that are topologically connected.

Tip: While we provide a mesh to use with this tutorial, you may want todevelop your own in the future. Instructions on how to create this meshin CFX-Mesh are available from the CFX Community Site. Please see"Mesh Generation" on page 3 for details.

Procedure 1. In Basic Settings, under Select Mesh, click Import .

A new section opens below User Mode for Definition.

2. In the bottom left of the screen, under File click Browse .

3. From your working directory, select StaticMixerMesh.gtm.

4. Click Open.

5. Click OK.

The mesh is loaded.




6. In Basic Settings, under Select Mesh, select B1.P3.

The mesh is selected.

1.B.4: Setting Zoom Values Using the Viewing Tools

Introduction: If the geometry becomes too large or small to fit in the Viewer,the geometry can be modified using the Viewing Tools toolbar.

Synopsis The view of a geometry can be modified in a number of ways. To manipulatethe display in the Viewer, the Viewing Tools toolbar is used.

Procedure 1. Click Zoom Box

2. Click and drag a rectangular selection over the geometry.

3. Release the mouse button to zoom in on the selection.

The geometry zoom changes to display the selection at a greaterresolution.

4. Click Fit View in the Viewing Tools toolbar to re-centre and

re-scale the geometry.

1.B.5: Setting Rotated or Isometric View Values Using theViewing Tools

Introduction: If the geometry is rotated or quickly needs to be viewed froma new angle, the geometry can be modified using the Viewing Tools toolbar.

Synopsis The view of a geometry can be modified in a number of ways. To manipulatethe display in the Viewer, the Viewing Tools toolbar is used.




Procedure 1. Select Viewer > Rotate or click on the Viewing Tools toolbar.

2. Click and drag within the geometry repeatedly to test the rotation of the

geometry.

The geometry rotates based on the direction of movement.

3. Click Isometric View in the Viewing Tools toolbar to select a

specific view.

You can view the geometry from one of the Cartesian axis directions orfrom an isometric angle by using the drop-down menu.

4. Select View Towards -X.

A description of the other icons in the Viewing Tools toolbar can befound in "Viewer" on page 70 in the document "CFX-Pre".

5. Click Isometric View (Z up) from the Viewing Tools toolbar.

A clearer view of the mesh is displayed.

1.B.6: Defining Model Data

Introduction: The type of flow and the physical models to use in the fluiddomain need to be defined

Synopsis The flow is specified as steady state with turbulence and heat transfer.Turbulence is modelled using the k-epsilon turbulence model and heattransfer using the thermal energy model. The k-epsilon turbulence model isa commonly used model and is suitable for a wide range of applications. Thethermal energy model neglects high speed energy effects and is thereforesuitable for low speed flow applications.

Procedure 1. Ensure Model Data is displayed.

2. Set Reference Pressure to 0 [atm] (Atmospheres).

All other pressure settings are relative to this reference pressure.

3. Set Heat Transfer to Thermal Energy.




4. If required, set Turbulence to k-Epsilon.

1.B.7: Defining Solver Parameters

Introduction: Solver Control parameters control aspects of the numericalsolution generation process.

Synopsis While upwind is less accurate it is also more robust than other advectionschemes. This is suitable for obtaining an initial set of results, but in generalshould not be used to obtain final accurate results. For more informationrefer to "Advection Scheme Selection" on page 357 in the document "CFX-5Solver Modelling".

Procedure 1. Ensure Solver Parameters is displayed.

Tip: If required, click the + or the – next to a setting to expand or collapsethe setting.

2. Set Advection Scheme to Upwind.

3. Set Convergence Control to Physical Timescale.

Physical Timescale appears, replacing Time Scale Option

4. Set Physical Timescale to 2 [s].

5. Click Next.

1.B.8: Defining Boundaries

Introduction: The CFD model requires the definition of conditions on theboundaries of the domain.

Synopsis Based on "Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe" onpage 9 we know there are two inlet boundaries and one outlet boundarythat need to be defined.




Procedure 1. Ensure Boundary Definition is displayed.

2. Under Existing Boundaries click New .

3. Set Name to in1.

4. Click OK.

The boundary is created and, when selected, properties related to theboundary are displayed.

1.B.9: Setting Boundary Data

Introduction: Once boundaries are created you need to create associateddata.

Synopsis Based on "Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe" onpage 9 we know the first inlet boundary condition consists of a velocity of2.0 m/s and a temperature of 315.0 K at one of the side inlets.

Procedure 1. Ensure Boundary Data is displayed.

2. Set Boundary Type to Inlet.




3. Set Location to in1.

1.B.10: Setting Flow Specification

Introduction: Once boundary data is defined the boundary needs to haveflow specifications assigned

Synopsis Setting flow specification includes selecting an option and definingadditional parameters based on the selection.

The first inlet boundary condition consists of a velocity of 2.0 m/s at one ofthe side inlets.

Procedure 1. Ensure Flow Specification is displayed.

2. Set Option to Normal Speed.

3. Set Normal Speed to 2 [m s^-1].

1.B.11: Setting Temperature Specification

Introduction: Once flow specification is defined the boundary needs to havetemperature assigned

Synopsis Setting temperature specifications includes selecting an option anddefining additional parameters based on the selection.

The first inlet boundary condition consists of a temperature of 315.0 K atone of the side inlets.




Procedure 1. Ensure Temperature Specification is displayed.

2. Set Static Temperature to 315 K.

1.B.12: Reviewing Boundary Conditions Definition forAccuracy

Introduction: Defining the boundary condition for in1 required several stepsthat we review in general terms and list the expected results for comparisonwith the results of your file thus far.

Synopsis By reviewing what we have done in the previous modules we can follow theprocedure used to create a boundary condition. There are two moreboundary conditions to create and this review summarizes what has beendone to prepare you to create boundary conditions on your own.

Based on "Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe" onpage 9 we know the first inlet boundary condition consists of a velocity of2.0 m/s and a temperature of 315.0 K at one of the side inlets.


2. Under Existing Boundaries click on in1 to display its values.




3. Review and compare for accuracy the following settings:

1.B.13: Creating the Second Inlet Boundary Definition

Introduction: Now that the first boundary has been created the sameconcepts can be applied to building the second inlet boundary.

Synopsis Based on "Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe" onpage 9 we know the second inlet boundary condition consists of a velocityof 2.0 m/s and a temperature of 285.0 K at one of the side inlets.


2. Create a new boundary named in2 with these settings:

1.B.14: Creating the Outlet Boundary Definition

Introduction: Now that the second boundary has been created the sameconcepts can be applied to building the last boundary.

Synopsis Based on "Figure 1: Static Mixer with 2 Inlet Pipes and 1 Outlet Pipe" onpage 9 we know the outlet boundary condition needs to be developed.

Modify Set the following To this value

Boundary Data Boundary Type Inlet

Location in1

Flow Specification Option Normal Speed

Normal Speed 2 [m s^-1]

Temperature Specification Static Temperature 315.0 K


Boundary Data Boundary Type Inlet

Location in2

Flow Specification Option Normal Speed

Normal Speed 2 [m s^-1]

Temperature Specification Static Temperature 285.0 K





2. Create a new boundary named out with these settings:

3. Click Next.

1.B.15: Moving to General Mode

Introduction: Once boundaries are created we can move to General Modeand prepare for the generation of content for use with CFX-Solver.

Synopsis There are no further boundary conditions that need to be set. All 2D exteriorregions that have not been assigned a boundary condition areautomatically assigned the default boundary condition, namedStaticMixer Default. The boundary condition for unassigned regions isnormally a no-slip adiabatic wall, but can be changed to a different walltype. For more information, see "Default Boundary Conditions" on page 263in the document "CFX-Pre".


Boundary Data Boundary Type Outlet

Location out

Flow Specification Option Average Static Pressure

Relative Pressure 0 [Pa]




Procedure 1. Click Finish to enter General Mode.

The three boundary conditions are displayed in the viewer as sets ofarrows at the boundary surfaces. Inlet boundary arrows are directedinto the domain. Outlet boundary arrows are directed out of thedomain.

1.B.16: Writing the Solver (.def) File.

Introduction: You are now ready to write the Definition file (which containsthe information required by the CFX-Solver for this CFD analysis), save theSimulation file, shut down CFX-Pre and start CFX-Solver Manager.

Synopsis The Simulation file—StaticMixer.cfx—contains the simulation definition ina format that can be loaded by CFX-Pre, allowing you to complete (ifapplicable), restore, and modify the simulation definition. The Simulationfile differs from the Definition file in two important ways:

• The Simulation file can be saved at any time while defining thesimulation.

• Mesh data is not contained in the Simulation file.The simulation file references the original mesh file(s).




Procedure 1. Select File > Write Solver (.def) File or click Write a Solver File

Write Solver File is displayed.

2. If required, type StaticMixer.def under File name.

3. If required, set Operation to Start Solver Manager.

4. If required, set Report Summary of Interface Connections to off.

5. If using CFX-Pre in Standalone Mode, set Quit CFX-Pre to on.

This forces Standalone CFX-Pre to close after the Definition file has beenwritten. This option is not required in Workbench.

6. Click OK.

7. If you are notified the file already exists, click Overwrite.

This file is provided in the examples directory and may exist in yourworking folder if you have copied it there.

8. Click Yes if asked to save StaticMixer.cfx.

The definition file (StaticMixer.def) and the simulation file(StaticMixer.cfx) are created. CFX-Solver Manager automatically startsand the definition file is set in the Definition File box of Define Run.

9. Proceed to "Obtaining a Solution Using CFX-Solver Manager" on

page 25.

1.B.17: Playing the Session File

Introduction: If you have performed all the tasks in the previous steps,proceed directly to "Obtaining a Solution Using CFX-Solver Manager" onpage 25.

Synopsis A session file can be created and played at a later date to avoid having torecreate all the events configured when using CFX-Pre. Session files can becreated as required.

Two procedures are documented. Depending on your installation of CFX-5follow either the Standalone procedure or the Workbench procedure.


1. If required, launch CFX-Pre.

2. Select Session > Play Session.

3. Select StaticMixer.pre, located in the examples directory.

4. Click Open.

A Definition file is written.

5. Select File > Quit.




6. Click Quit.

7. Click the CFX-Solver icon on the CFX Launcher.

8. Select File > Define Run.

9. Under Definition File, click Browse .

10. Select StaticMixer.def, located in the examples directory.

11. Proceed to "Obtaining a Solution Using CFX-Solver Manager" on

page 25.


1. If required, launch Workbench.

2. Click Empty Project.

3. Select File > Save or click Save.


5. Under Filename, type StaticMixer.

6. Click Save.

7. Click Start CFX-Pre.

8. Select Session > Play Session.

9. Select StaticMixer.pre, located in the examples directory.

10. Click Open.

A status bar appears in the bottom right of the screen while a Definitionfile is written.

11. Click the CFX-Solver tab.

12. Select File > Define Run.

13. Under Definition File, click Browse .

14. Select StaticMixer.def, located in the examples directory.

Flow in a Static Mixer—Obtaining a Solution Using CFX-Solver Manager



1.C: Obtaining a Solution Using CFX-SolverManager

Introduction: CFX-Solver Manager has a visual interface that displays avariety of results and should be used when plotted data needs to be viewedduring problem solving.

Synopsis Two windows are displayed when CFX-Solver Manager runs. There is anadjustable split between the windows which is oriented either horizontallyor vertically, depending on the aspect ratio of the entire CFX-SolverManager window (also adjustable).

One window shows the convergence history plots and the other displaystext output from CFX-Solver.

The text lists physical properties, boundary conditions and various otherparameters used or calculated in creating the model. All the text is writtento the Output File automatically (in this case StaticMixer_001.out). Moredetail on the contents of the Output File can be found in "The CFX-5 OutputFile" on page 87 in the document "CFX-Solver Manager".




1.C.1: Using Define Run With Data From a Previous Run

Introduction: Define Run allows configuration of a run for processing byCFX-Solver.

Synopsis When the CFX-Solver Manager is launched automatically from CFX-Pre, allof the information required to perform a new Serial run (on a singleprocessor) is entered automatically. You do not need to alter theinformation in the Define Run window. This is a very quick way to launchinto CFX-Solver without having to define settings and values.

Numerous settings can be configured when using CFX-Solver Define Runwith data from CFX-Pre. For more information refer to "Run Definition" onpage 11 in the document "CFX- Solver Manager".

Procedure 1. Ensure Define Run is displayed.

2. Click Start Run.

CFX-Solver launches and a split screen appears. The left pane displaysthe results of the run graphically and the right pane displays theinformation as text. The panes continue to build as CFX-Solver Manageroperates.




Note: Once the second iteration appears data begins to plot. Plotting maytake a long time depending on the amount of data to process. Do not shutdown the process.

3. Click OK when CFX-Solver is finished.

1.C.2: Moving from CFX-Solver to CFX-Post

Introduction: Once CFX-Solver has finished you can use CFX-Post to reviewthe finished results.

Synopsis CFX-Solver is used to calculate a problem. In order to review the results ofthe calculation use CFX-Post.

Procedure 1. Select Tools > Post–Process Results or click Post–Process Results

.

2. If using CFX-Solver in Standalone Mode, select

Shut down Solver Manager.

This forces Standalone CFX-Solver to close after the Definition file hasbeen written. This option is not required in Workbench.

3. Click OK.

After a short pause, CFX-Post starts and CFX-Solver Manager closes.

Flow in a Static Mixer—Viewing Results in CFX-Post



1.D: Viewing Results in CFX-Post

Introduction: When CFX-Post starts, the3D Viewer and Objects Workspace display by default.

3D Viewer: Displays an outline of the geometry and other graphics objects.In addition to the mouse, you can use icons from the Viewing Tools toolbar(along the top of the viewer) to manipulate the view.

Objects Workspace: Consists of the Object Selector and Object Editor.This is accessed by clicking the Objects tab in the CFX-Post Workspace.

Object Selector: The tree structure displaying existing objects.

Object Editor: Used to set or alter the properties of objects. It appearsbeneath the Object Selector after double-clicking an object in the ObjectSelector or; right-clicking an object in the Object Selector and selecting Editfrom the pop-up menu or; highlighting an object in the Object Selector andclicking Edit Selected Object Button or; creating a new object by clickingCreate New Object in the Object Selector

Note: There are other workspaces (e.g. for Variables, Expressions andCharts).




Some objects are automatically created in CFX-Post. These includeboundary objects corresponding to each boundary condition specified inCFX-Pre. In this tutorial, the two inlets and the outlet have their ownboundary objects. The remaining surfaces of the geometry are groupedtogether into the Default boundary object. A Wireframe object is alsoautomatically created, and contains the surface mesh for the geometry.

WorkflowOverview


1. "Setting the Edge Angle for a Wireframe Object" on page 29

2. "Creating a Point for the Origin of the Streamline" on page 31

3. "Creating a Streamline Originating from a Point" on page 32

4. "Rearranging the Point" on page 33

5. "Configuring a Default Legend" on page 34

6. "Creating a Slice Plane" on page 37

7. "Defining Geometry" on page 38

8. "Configuring Views" on page 38

9. "Rendering Slice Planes" on page 39

10. "Colouring the Plane" on page 39

11. "Moving the Plane" on page 40

12. "Adding Contours" on page 41

1.D.1: Setting the Edge Angle for a Wireframe Object

Introduction: The outline of the geometry is called the wireframe or outlineplot.

Synopsis CFX-Post only displays some of the surface mesh by default. This sometimesmeans that when you first load your Results file, the geometry outline is notdisplayed clearly. The amount of the surface mesh shown can be modifiedby editing the Wireframe object listed in the Object Selector.

The check boxes next to each object name in the Object Selector control thevisibility of each object. Currently only the Wireframe andDefault Legend (View Control) objects have their visibility turned on.




The edge angle determines how much of the surface mesh is visible. If theangle between two adjacent faces is greater than the edge angle, then thatedge is drawn. If the edge angle is set to 0 degrees, the entire surface meshis drawn. If the edge angle is large, then only the most significant corneredges of the geometry are drawn.

For this geometry, a setting of approximately 15 degrees lets you view themodel location without displaying an excessive amount of the surfacemesh.

In this module we also modify the zoom settings and view of the wireframe.

Procedure 1. In Objects, under Regions, double-click Wireframe.

Tip: While it is not necessary to change the view to set the angle, we doso to explore the practical uses of this feature.


specific view.

3. Select Isometric View (Z Up).

4. In Wireframe, under Definition, click the Edge Angle field.

An embedded slider is displayed.

5. Type a value of 10 [degree].

6. Click Apply to update the object with the new setting.

More surface mesh is displayed.

7. Drag the embedded slider to set the Edge Angle value to

approximately 45 [degree].


Less of the outline of the geometry is displayed.

9. Type a value of 15 [degree].


Tip: While it is not necessary to reset the view, we do so to make theappearance consistent between modules of the tutorials.


specific view.




12. Select View Towards -X.

1.D.2: Creating a Point for the Origin of the Streamline

Introduction: A streamline is the path that a particle of zero mass wouldfollow through the domain. For further details on streamlines, please see"Streamline" on page 101 in the document "CFX-Post".

Procedure 1. Select Create > Object > Point.

You can also use the toolbars to create a variety of objects. Latermodules and tutorials explore this further.

2. Click OK.

This accepts the default name.

3. If required, in the Objects tab, under Point 1 click Geometry.

4. Under Definition, ensure that Method is set to XYZ.

5. Under Point, enter the following coordinates: -1.0 -2.9 1.0.

This is a point near an inlet.

6. Click Apply.

The point appears as a symbol in the 3D Viewer as a crosshair symbol.




1.D.3: Creating a Streamline Originating from a Point

Introduction: Where applicable, streamlines can trace the flow directionforwards (downstream) and/or backwards (upstream).

Synopsis In this module you create a streamline that moves forward from the pointyou created.

Procedure 1. Click Create > Object > Streamline.

You can also use the toolbars to create a variety of objects. Latermodules and tutorials explore this further.

2. Click OK.

This accepts the default name.

3. If required, in the Objects tab, under Streamline 1 click Geometry.

4. Under Definition, in Start From, ensure that Point 1 is set.

Tip: To create streamlines originating from more than one location, clickthe ellipsis icon to the right of the Start From box. This displays theLocation Selector, where <Ctrl> and <Shift> keys can be used to pickmultiple locators.

5. Click the Colour tab.

6. Set Mode to Variable.

7. Set Variable to Temperature.

8. Set Range to Local.




9. Click Apply.

The streamline shows the path of a zero mass particle from Point 1. Thetemperature is initially high near the hot inlet, but as the fluid mixes thetemperature drops.

1.D.4: Rearranging the Point

Introduction: Once created, a point can be rearranged manually or by settingspecific co–ordinates.

Tip: In this module, you may choose to display various views and zoomsfrom the Viewing Tools toolbar (such as Isometric View (Z Up) orView Towards -x and so on as well as the Zoom Box) if you prefer tochange the display.

Procedure 1. Double-click Point 1 in the Object Selector.

Properties for the selected user location are displayed.

2. Under Point, set these coordinates: -1.0 -1 1.0.

3. Click Apply.

4. Select Viewer > Picking Mode, or click Pick From Viewer in the

Selection Tools.

While in this mode the viewer does not change settings (such as rotate,zoom, etc.).




5. In the Viewer, drag Point 1 to a new location within the mixer.

The point position is updated in the Object Editor and the streamline isredrawn at the new location. The point moves normal in relation to theviewing direction.

6. Select Viewer > Rotate or click on the Viewing Tools toolbar.

Tip: You can also click in the viewer area, and press space bar to togglebetween Picking Mode and Viewing Mode. A way to pick objects fromViewing Mode, is to hold down <Ctrl> + <Shift> while clicking on anobject with the left mouse button.

7. Under Point, reset these coordinates: -1.0 -2.9 1.0.

8. Click Apply.

The point appears at its original location.

9. Click Isometric View in the Viewing Tools toolbar and select

View Towards -X.

1.D.5: Configuring a Default Legend

Introduction: The appearance of the default legend can be modified.

Synopsis The Default Legend appears whenever a plot is created which is colouredby a variable. The streamline colour was based on temperature, thereforethe legend shows the temperature range. The colour pattern on thelegend’s colour bar is banded in accordance with the bands in the plot1.

Various properties can be modified, including orientation, location and thevisibility of units. You can also change the appearance of text. For fulldetails, please see "Legend" on page 116 in the document "CFX-Post".

The default legend displays values for the last eligible plot that was openedin the Object Editor. To maintain a legend definition during a CFX-Postsession, you can create a new legend by clicking Create legend .

1. An exception occurs when one or more bands in a contour plot representvalues beyond the legend’s range. In this case, such bands are colouredusing a colour that is extrapolated slightly past the range of colours shownin the legend. This can happen only when a user-specified range is used forthe legend.




Since there are many settings that can be customized for the legend, thismodule allows you the freedom to experiment with them. The last steps setup the legend to a default with a minor modification to the position.

Tip: When editing values, you can click Reset at any time before clickingApply to reset original values. This is useful if you make many changes,but have not applied them and want to reset all values to where theystarted before your edits.

Note: If using Defaults when modifying the legend, settings for bothDefinition and Appearance are reset. Use this setting cautiously as youmay end up having to redefine settings in another tab.

Procedure 1. Under Objects, expand View Control.

2. Double click Default Legend.

Definition settings display in the Object Editor.

3. Modify a few settings without clicking Apply.

4. Click Defaults.

This is useful if you make and apply changes and then want to reset allvalues to the original default values.




5. Apply the following settings

6. Click Apply.

The appearance and position of the legend changes based on thesettings specified.

7. Modify various settings in Definition and click Apply after each change.

8. Select Appearance.


Definition Title Mode User Specified

Title Streamline Temp.

Vertical/Horizontal Horizontal

Location Y Justification Bottom




9. Modify a variety of settings in the Appearance and click Apply after

each change.

Tip: If setting either Location to None you can customize the exactlocation of the legend by using the slider or typing values between 0and 1 in Position.

10. Click Defaults.

11. Click Apply.

12. Under Objects, in User Locations and Plots, clear the check box for

Point 1 and Streamline 1.

Since both are no longer visible the associated legend no longerdisplays.

1.D.6: Creating a Slice Plane

Introduction: Defining a slice plane allows you to obtain a cross–section ofthe geometry.

Synopsis In CFX-Post you often view results by colouring a graphics object. Thegraphics object could be an isosurface, a vector plot, or in this case, a plane.The object can be a fixed colour or it can vary based on the value of avariable.

You already have some objects defined by default (listed in the ObjectSelector). You can view results on the boundaries of the Static Mixer bycolouring each boundary object by a variable. To view results within thegeometry (i.e. on non-default locators), new objects need to be created.

You can use the following methods to define a Plane:

• Three Points: creates a plane from three user specified points.

• Point and Normal: defines a plane from one point on the plane and anormal vector to the plane.

• YZ Plane, ZX Plane and XY Plane: similar to Point and Normal exceptthat the normal is defined to be normal to the indicated plane.

The plane you create passes through the point (0,0,1) and its orientation isnormal to the Z axis.

Procedure 1. Select Create > Object > Plane or click Create Plane .

2. In the New Plane window type Slice.




3. Click OK.

The Geometry, Colour and Render tabs let you switch betweensettings.

4. In the Object Editor, click the Geometry tab.

1.D.7: Defining Geometry

Introduction: You need to choose the vector normal to the Plane.

Synopsis You want the Plane to lie in the x-y plane, hence its normal vector pointsalong the z-axis. Any vector which points in the z-direction can be specified,the most obvious being (0,0,1).

Procedure 1. If required, under Geometry, expand Definition.

2. Under Method select Point and Normal.

3. Under Point enter 0,0,1.

4. Under Normal enter 0, 0,1.

5. Click Apply.

Slice displays under User Locations and Plots. However, the slice isnot visible in the 3D Viewer due to the current view configuration.

1.D.8: Configuring Views

Introduction: Depending on the view of the geometry various objects maynot appear visible because they fall in a two dimensional space that can notbe seen.

Synopsis In order to display the plane the view needs to be modified. Several settingsmust be changed to display the plane clearly.

Procedure 1. In the Viewing Tools toolbar, click Isometric View (Z Up) .

2. Click Zoom Box

3. Click and drag a rectangular selection over the geometry.

4. Release the mouse button to zoom in on the selection.


6. Click and drag the mouse pointer down slightly to rotate the geometry

towards you.

7. Click Perspective .




8. Click Orthographic from the Viewing Tools toolbar.

Orthographic does not consider depth when plotting an image in theViewer and is the default setting.

9. Click Isometric View (Z Up) in the Viewing Tools toolbar.

1.D.9: Rendering Slice Planes

Introduction: Render settings determine how the Plane is drawn.

Synopsis You can alter shading and lighting properties and display or hide the facesand lines on the Plane. See "Object Editor: Render Panel" on page 18 in thedocument "CFX-Post" for more details.

Procedure 1. If required, under Slice, select Render.

2. Turn off Draw Faces.

3. Turn on Draw Lines.

4. Under Draw Lines change Colour Mode to User Specified.

5. Click the current colour in Line Colour to change to a different colour.

For a greater selection of colours, click the ellipsis to use theSelect colour window.

6. Click Apply.

7. Click Zoom Box

8. Zoom in on the geometry to view it in greater detail.

The line segments show where the slice plane intersects with meshelement faces. The end points of each line segment are located wherethe plane intersects mesh element edges.

9. In the Viewing Tools toolbar, click View Toward -Z .

1.D.10: Colouring the Plane

Introduction: The Colour panel in the Object Editor is used to determinehow the object faces are coloured.

Synopsis By default, planes are coloured grey. Every graphic object in CFX-Post has adefault colour. For details, see "Default Colours" on page 73 in thedocument "CFX-Post". You can change the colouring of the plane so that aspecific colour corresponds to a specific temperature. By drawing faces butnot lines the colour is easier to see.




Procedure 1. Click the Render tab.

2. Turn on Draw Faces.

3. Turn off Draw Lines.

4. Click Apply.

5. In the Object Editor, click the Colour tab.

6. Set Mode to Variable.

You can specify the variable (in this case, Temperature) used to colourthe object. The Constant mode allows you to colour the Plane with afixed colour.


8. Click Apply.

Hot water (red) enters from one inlet and cold water (blue) from theother.

1.D.11: Moving the Plane

Introduction: The plane can be moved to different locations.

Synopsis In order to move the plane from one location to another Picking Mode isused. For more information refer to "Picking Mode" on page 75 in thedocument "CFX-Pre".

Procedure 1. In the Viewing Tools toolbar, click Isometric View (Z Up) .

2. Click the Geometry tab.

Review the settings in Definition under Point and under Normal.

3. Select Viewer > Picking Mode, or click Pick From Viewer in the

Selection Tools.

4. Click and drag the plane to a new location that intersects the domain.

When you release the mouse button, the Object Editor and Viewerupdate automatically. Note that Point updates with new settings.

5. Set Point settings to 0,0,1.

6. Click Apply.


8. Turn off visibility for Slice.

9. Click Apply.




1.D.12: Adding Contours

Introduction: Contours connect all points of equal value for a scalar variable(for example, Temperature) and help to visualise variable values andgradients.

Synopsis Coloured bands fill the spaces between contour lines. Each band is colouredby the average colour of its two bounding contour lines (even if the latterare not displayed).

Important: The colours of 3D graphics object faces are slightly altered whenlighting is on. To view colours with highest accuracy, turn off Lighting in theDraw Faces frame on the Render panel (in the Object Editor for the object).

Procedure 1. Select Create > Object > Contour or click Create contour plot .

2. Set Name to Slice Contour.

3. Click OK.

4. Under Definition, set Locations to Slice.


6. Leave # of Contours (shown at the bottom of the editor) set to 10.

7. Click the Render tab.

8. Turn off Draw Faces.

9. Click Apply to create the contour plot.

10. Turn on Draw Faces.

11. Click Apply.

Flow in a Static Mixer—Saving and Restoring Views Using Cameras



1.E: Saving and Restoring Views UsingCameras

Introduction: The camera feature saves the current view so that it can berestored later

Synopsis Working with camera views is particularly useful when working with difficultgeometry, or in situations when you repeatedly switch between 2 or moreviews.

To work with cameras, the Camera Tools toolbar is used.

Procedure 1. Select Viewer > Save Camera or click Save Camera .

The current view becomes the new default for the selected camera andis displayed in the toolbar. This defaults to Camera1.

2. Reposition, rotate or zoom the geometry in the viewer.

3. Select Viewer > New Camera or click New Camera .

4. Click OK.

The default name, Camera 5, is used for the new view.

5. Click the Camera Selector in the Camera Tools toolbar.

6. Select Camera 1.

The original view is restored.

7. Using the Camera Selector, switch the view back to Camera 5.

8. Select Viewer > Delete Camera or click Delete Camera .

When deleting a camera view the 3D viewer displays a default view.

9. Using the Camera Selector, switch the view back to Camera 1.

Flow in a Static Mixer—Working with Animations



1.F: Working with Animations

Introduction: Animations build transitions between views for developmentof video files.

WorkflowOverview


1. "Showing the Animation Editor" on page 43

2. "Creating the First Keyframe" on page 43

3. "Creating the Second Keyframe" on page 44

4. "Viewing the Animation" on page 45

5. "Modifying the Animation" on page 45

6. "Saving to MPEG" on page 47

1.F.1: Showing the Animation Editor

Introduction: The Animation Editor is used to define keyframes and exportcontent to a video format.

Procedure 1. Select Tools > Animation or, on the Tools toolbar, click

Show Animation Editor .

The Animation Editor can be repositioned as required.

1.F.2: Creating the First Keyframe

Introduction: Keyframes are required in order to produce an animation.

Synopsis In this module we define the first viewer state which will be connected to asecond viewer state by interpolated intermediate frames.

Procedure 1. In the Viewing Tools toolbar, click View Towards -Z .

2. Under User Locations and Plots, turn off the visibility of Slice Contour

and turn on the visibility of Slice.

3. In the Animation Editor, under Keyframe Creation and Editing, click

New .

A new keyframe named KeyframeNo1 is created. This represents thecurrent image displayed in the 3D Viewer.




1.F.3: Creating the Second Keyframe

Introduction: Keyframes are required in order to produce an animation.

Synopsis In this module we define the second viewer state which will be connectedto the first viewer state by interpolated intermediate frames.

Procedure 1. From the Object Selector, under User Locations and Plots,

double-click Slice.

2. In the Object Editor, on the Geometry tab, set Point coordinate values

to (0,0,-1.99).

3. Click Apply.

The slice plane moves to the bottom of the mixer.

4. In the Animation Editor, under Keyframe Creation and Editing, click

New .

KeyframeNo2 is created and represents the image displayed in theViewer.

5. Select KeyframeNo1.

6. Set # of Frames (located near the bottom of the Animation Editor) to

20.

This is the number of intermediate frames used when going fromKeyframeNo1 to KeyframeNo2. This number is displayed in theFrames column next to KeyframeNo1.

7. Press Enter.

The Frame # column shows the frame in which each keyframe appears.KeyframeNo1 appears at frame #1 since it defines the start of theanimation. KeyframeNo2 is at Frame # 22 since you have 20intermediate frames (frames 2 to 21) in between KeyframeNo1 andKeyframeNo2.

8. Click Previous Keyframe located at the top of the Animation

Editor panel.

The slice plane in the Viewer returns to its original position.




1.F.4: Viewing the Animation

Introduction: More keyframes could be added, but this animation has onlytwo keyframes (which is the minimum possible).

Synopsis The controls previously greyed-out in the Animation Editor are nowavailable. The number of intermediate frames between keyframes is listedbeside the keyframe having the lowest number of the pair. The number ofkeyframes listed beside the last keyframe is ignored.

The Looping option determines what happens when the animationreaches the last keyframe. When it is set to Loop, the animation repeatsitself the number of times defined by Cycles. In this case only one Cycle isplayed. When Looping is set to Bounce, every other cycle is played inreverse order, starting with the second.

See "Animation Editor" on page 150 in the document "CFX-Post" for moredetails on the Animation Editor.

Procedure 1. Click Play Forward .

The animation plays from Frame # 1 to Frame # 22. It plays relativelyslowly because the slice plane must be updated for each frame.

1.F.5: Modifying the Animation

Introduction: The animation can be reconfigured as required.

Synopsis To make the plane sweep through the whole geometry, you set the startingposition of the plane to be at the top of the mixer. You also modify theRange properties of the plane so that it shows the temperature variationbetter.

As the animation is played, you can see the hot and cold water entering themixer. Near the bottom of the mixer (where the water flows out) you can seethat the temperature is quite uniform. The new temperature range lets youview the mixing process more accurately than the global range used in thefirst animation.

When the animation has finished, the MPEG file is written to the directoryspecified. The MPEG can be played back in any Media Player that supportsthe MPEG format.




Procedure 1. Apply the following settings

2. Click Apply.

The slice plane moves to the top of the static mixer.

Note: Do not double click in the next step.

3. In the Animation Editor, single click (do not double-click)

KeyframeNo1 to select it.

If you had double-clicked KeyFrameNo1, the plane and viewer stateswould have been redefined according to the stored settings forKeyFrameNo1. If this happens, click Undo and try again to select thekeyframe.

4. Click Set Keyframe .

The image in the Viewer replaces the one previously associated withKeyframeNo1.

5. Double-click KeyframeNo2.

The object properties for the slice plane are updated according to thesettings in KeyFrameNo2.

6. Apply the following settings

7. Click Apply.

8. In the Animation Editor, click KeyframeNo2.

9. Click Set Keyframe to save the new settings to KeyframeNo2.


Slice > Geometry Point 0, 0, 1.99

Slice > Colour Range User Specified

Min 295 [K]

Max 305 [K]


Slice > Colour Range User Specified

Min 295 [K]

Max 305 [K]




1.F.6: Saving to MPEG

Introduction: By defining the geometry and then saving to MPEG the resultscan be shared in a video format.

Procedure 1. Under Playback Options, turn on Save Animation Movie.

2. Click Browse next to MPEG File.

3. Under File name type StaticMixer.mpg.

Note that you must type the extension for the file name as it will not beautomatically assigned.


5. Click Save.

At this point, the animation has not yet been produced.

6. Click Previous Keyframe .

Wait a moment as the display updates the keyframe display.

7. Click Play Forward .

8. If prompted to overwrite an existing movie click Overwrite.

The animation plays and builds an mpg file.

9. Click the Options button at the bottom of the Animation Editor.

• On the Advanced panel, you can see that a Frame Rate of 24frames per second was used to create the animation. The animationyou produced contains a total of 22 frames, so it takes just under 1second to play in a media player.

• More details about the options on this form can be found in"Animation Editor: Options Dialog Box" on page 154 in thedocument "CFX-Post".

10. Click Cancel to close the form.

11. Click Close to close the Animation Editor.

1.F.7: Exiting CFX-Post

Introduction: When finished with CFX-Post exit the current window.

Synopsis Two procedures are documented. Depending on your installation of CFX-5follow either the Standalone procedure or the Workbench procedure.


1. When you are finished, select File > Quit to exit CFX-Post.

2. Click No if prompted to save.




3. Review the animation in third–party software as required.


1. Before quitting it is advised to return to the Project Page and save the

current project.

2. When you are finished, select File > Close to close the current file.

3. Click No if prompted to save.

4. Close the current project.

5. Close Workbench.

6. Review the animation in third–party software as required.

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tut 01 static mixer

Documents

viewing tools

select tools

quick setup

settingsmodify

camera tools

static mixerviewing

select session

click quick