MicroCFD Virtual Wind Tunnel software gets GPU acceleration
MicroCFD analyzes 2-D and axisymmetric subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow (Mach 0.1 to 10) over multi-element configurations on a Cartesian cut-cell mesh. Flow visualization is provided through color maps of local Mach number, density, pressure, and temperature, including streamline plots. An aerodynamic force line instantly reveals the center of pressure of any configuration. MicroCFD can model vehicles in ground effect through a 2-D simulation of flow along their centerline. Bodies of revolution such as spherical projectiles, bullets, space capsules, or rocket nozzles are tested in axisymmetry mode. Airfoil cascades can be set up for compressor or turbine blade profile analysis, and both supersonic ramp and spike inlets can be modeled. MicroCFD is based on a finite volume description of the unsteady Euler equations and can capture both steady and moving shock waves.
The MicroCFD Virtual Wind Tunnel, Educational & Professional Edition, has recently been upgraded. The new version (1.8) supports multi-core CPUs and CUDA core GPUs and runs significantly faster than the previous single-processor version. The results of a benchmark test on a system with an Intel quad-core CPU and an NVIDIA GPU show that an unsteady 2D or axis-symmetric compressible flow can now be run at a resolution of one million cells (Pro Edition) within a few minutes. A 3D version is currently under development and is expected to be released in 2014.
[submitted by Axel Rohde, MicroCFD]
Category: Software
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