Workspace structure

This section describes the structure of the workspace illustrated by the tree on left side.

The content displayed on right side depends on the selected item in the workspace tree on left side. All sub-items of the selected item are included in diagrams, like "Convergence plots" and "Performance curves".

_images/workspace_structure.png

Workspace tree structure

Each item in the tree has its owm context menu, which can be opened by right click on it or left click on the menu icon ☰.

Right of each item in the tree the current status is displayed:

  • <nothing> : status not available yet because job was never started.

  • loading : loading or parsing files.

There are also 4 columns to provide more information about the process:

  • Export (E) and Mesh (M) status:

    • ✓ : Geometry/ Mesh available.

    • ✗ : Export/ Meshing must be executed.

    • exporting : CFturbo geometry export in progress.

    • meshing : Volume meshing in progress.

  • Steady (S) and transient (T) simulation status:

    • ✓ : Convergence criteria achieved.

    • ● : Convergence criteria not achieved, but Max. number of iterations achieved.

    • ○ : Convergence criteria not achieved/ Max. number of iterations not achieved.

    • running : Simulation in progress.

    • waiting : Simulation pending (simulations are started sequentially).

Notes:

  • Symbols of outdated results are coloured orange (it happens if simulation settings are modified subsequently)

  • In case simulation result files are no longer available, a small cross is displayed next to the simulation status symbol

  • license is displayed when any license checking is in progress

1. Workspace

This is the highest level and contains the complete data corresponding to the CFturbo BLADERUNNER file *.cftbr. The Workspace can be selected by clicking on the gray "WORKSPACE" area top left.

_images/workspace_settings.png

Workspace settings

All data related to the workspace items are saved under the workspace directory, which can be specified at top of the "Settings" area. Here the CFturbo BLADERUNNER file *.cftbr is saved. All data is available in the directory "*~files". All subdirectories get unique names automatically. Direct file access is available by "Open directory" in the context menu of each item.

_images/directory_structure.png

Directory structure of the workspace

2. Project

The workspace can contain multiple projects, which is the thematic basis of all investigations. All projects must be related to the same machine type (pump, fan, compressor, gas turbine, hydro turbine). A text project description is available under "Settings".

_images/project_menu.png

Project context menu

3. Study

The study is an additional level in a project for specific investigations. It can contain multiple variants. A text study description is available under "Settings".

_images/study_menu.png

Study context menu

4. Variant

The variant is connected with a specific geometry represented by a CFturbo file (*.cft). Under "Settings", several properties of the variant are displayed or can be specified:

  • Export settings

    Original CFturbo export settings can be modified when clicking on the button Edit settings. This button is available only when adding a new variant for which no geometry is still available. A whole reinitialization of the variant will be performed if you modifying original CFturbo export settings.

  • Global mesh parameters

    Global mesh parameters can be set here. They are available once the geometry is exported from CFturbo.

  • Local mesh parameters

    Local mesh parameters can be set here. They are available once the geometry is exported from CFturbo.

  • Meridional view

    Represents the meridional view available also in the CFturbo file preview. Some basic design point information and fluid properties are also displayed here.

  • 3D model

    Exported STL-Geometry is displayed here. You can interact with the geometry modifying selected and/or checked items in the mesh parameters tree view - Checking: enables/disables the visualization of the corresponding item - Selection: selected item is highlighted in the 3D model

  • Mesh statistics

    Only available in case that any domain was meshed. Following variables are displayed for meshed domains:

    • Specific length: used for the meshing. Depends on the value selected for Specific length calculation under Global mesh parameters

    • Estimated max. cell size: based on the specified cell size and the current specific length

    • Number of cells: only available if the mesh was already meshed

    • Number of nodes: only available if the mesh was already meshed

_images/variant_settings.png

Variant settings

_images/variant_menu.png

Variant context menu

5. Performance curve

The performance curve includes all operatings points for a single rotational speed. In the "Settings area", the boundary conditions, fluid properties and solver settings can be specified.

_images/performance-curve_settings.png

Performance curve settings

_images/performance-curve_menu.png

Performance curve context menu

6. Simulation

The simulation represents a single operating point, typically defined by volumetric or mass flow. The solver settings of the performance curve are used here, although deviating convergence settings can be specified.

_images/simulation_settings.png

Operating point settings

_images/simulation_menu.png

Simulation context menu