Fluid Flow Analyses

[verge]

Is there a simple, relatively inexpensive option for running simple fluid flow analyses on Pro-E models? I'm looking for a way to analyze the fluid flow characteristics of a pressure/vacuum vent valve. It needs to meet certain cracking pressure requirements, leak rates, etc.


I would like to be confident that my designs are moving in the right direction before spending money on prototypes and physical testing.


Is there a simple software solution, one that myself or my colleagues could learn with minimal hassle? I have experience with FEA, and with coordinating and analyzing CFD analyses, but have no direct experience with CFD-type software.

 

[msummers]

I recently evaluated several CFD software tools for my company, and I decided on CFdeisgn. I have different analysisneeds than your vent valve application, but I would at least put it on your short list to consider.

 

[verge]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[ankarl]

My vote goes to CF Design too but if you want another one to your list of desktop engineering tools I would add EFD Lab as well.

 

[Remmerv]

If you are using Pro/E better make that EFD.Pro instead of EFD.Lab. Same software only fully integrated in Pro/E. Made by Flomerics (formerly NIKA, now taken over by Mentor Graphics). You can even export temperature and (starting with version 9.1) pressure results to Pro/MECHANICA for stress analysis over there. All is done on the same Pro/E model so any changes in geometry will reflect on the final result without having to redefine boundary conditions etc.

 

[msummers]

I agree with Remmerv. EFD.Pro is nicely integrated into Pro/E and has many great features.

 

[jimshaw]

CFDesign has multiple levels of licenses (read: price points) but all are fully integrated with ProE. After being trained in ANSYS and Fluent (before their merger), I cantell youCFDesign is about the easiestCFD tool to learn (no exp. w/ EFD).


PM me if you want more information, or any assistance with your analysis, I just accomplished an internal flow analysis last week...

 

[verge]

Will it predict for me the crack rateof a pressure/vacuum vent valve based on geometry,material properties, spring force, pressure differential, etc?

 

[jimshaw]

Yes, there is flow driven motion, if that is what you are asking. A transient analysis can be conducted to find out the position/time of a spring loaded ball valve for example. You could use a time dependant pressure curve as your boundary condition, and from that you can step through the analysis to determine the cracking pressure and leak rate at a given pressure/time.


Does this answer your question?


Browse the web as well, www.cfdesign.com.

 

[verge]

That does answer my question. Thanks.