Fluent Inc., the world leader in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and services, recently announced the release of the latest version of its flagship CFD software, FLUENT 6.2. This release has over 300 new capabilities, many of which are uniquely important for automotive simulations. FLUENT 6.2 broadens the spectrum of potential CFD applications in the automotive industry. At the same time, key enhancements to the core FLUENT solver have led to dramatic speed-ups and improved accuracy, significantly boosting performance for many automotive simulations.

FLUENT 6.2 now offers the most extensive set of CFD modeling capabilities available to the automotive community covering a full range of automotive applications:

* High accuracy external aerodynamics predictions

* Reliable and robust underhood thermal management simulation including radiation heat transfer

* An easy-to-use moving/deforming mesh approach along with a selection of spray, ignition and combustion models for in-cylinder computations

*Industry-leading multiphase flow modeling including phase-change for analyzing climate control, defrosting and defogging

* Free surface modeling to simulate tank filling and sloshing

* Enhanced dispersed phase models for spray painting

Several features within FLUENT 6.2 are useful for designing, optimizing, and manufacturing automotive components. A new solar radiation model allows for in-depth studies of thermal conditions within the cabin of a vehicle. In addition, there is a complete suite of aeroacoustics tools that allow automotive users to study wind noise past rear view mirrors, open sunroofs, and windowsills. The noise generated by rotating fans and by internal flows through ducts, valves, and manifolds, can also be analyzed.

Werner Seibert, Fluent’s Global Automotive Segment Manager said, “FLUENT 6.2 will substantially improve design and optimization processes in the automotive industry. Tremendous speed-ups, of up to a factor of 10, have been seen for unsteady simulations during beta testing. Improvements to solver accuracy, particularly for unstructured meshes, and parallel processing were made without compromising the characteristic robustness and ease-of-use of the software. FLUENT 6.2 has been extensively beta-tested by our users and was subjected to the most comprehensive industrial test matrix in the world today. FLUENT 6.2 is a milestone for applied CFD software, built on a proven legacy of delivering real world automotive solutions within realistic industrial timescales.”

For more information visit:
http://www.fluent.com