FLOWNET: Flow library on the web network

• Forschungsstelle: EU FRP
• Projektnummer: 98.0064-3
• Projekttitel Englisch: FLOWNET: Flow library on the web network

Schlüsselwörter (Englisch)

CFD; computational fluid dynamics; flow simulations; web access to CFD; CFD database

Alternative Projektnummern (Englisch)

EU project number: BRRT-CT98-5096

Forschungsprogramme (Englisch)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 2.1 Industrial and materials technologies

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

See abstract

Partner und Internationale Organisationen (Englisch)

Coordinator: INRIA (F)

Abstract (Englisch)

The FlowNet thematic network provides the scientific and industrial CFD community with code validation tools for the modelling of flow in subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic regimes. In addition, test case definitions, experimental data, and numerical models are shared between the FlowNet partners. Besides the network, which serves as a base for the sharing of knowledge and information, a database for the validation of flow calculations and tools associated to the database are provided.
The main contribution of SMR to the FlowNet project was to adapt the CFD data management system provided by SMR, to provide programs for interfacing external data formats to the database, and to enhance SMR's flow visualisation system for processing the FlowNet test cases. These tasks were accomplished in close collaboration with the hydraulic machines and fluid mechanics institute (IMHEF) of the EPFL (école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne).
The CFD data management system API was adapted to take into account the FlowNet test cases, both structured and unstructured multi-block meshes. One of the main requirements for processing these large meshes is the fast access to data, being it locally or remotely. The implementation of the MemCom data management system responds to these criteria.
Interface programs were required for reading external formats, both ad hoc formats and established data formats.
SMR's flow visualisation system is an on-going in-house development. The specific requirements for studying the FlowNet test cases led to the implementation of an efficient streamline tracking algorithm and visualisation as well as the improvement of 1D and 2D probes in various flow fields. Specially aimed at low-cost, but high performance PC workstations, the visualisation system was used by IMHEF and SMR for extracting data and for generating additional flow information from the CFD simulations performed by IMHEF.
SMR did assist IMHEF-EPFL in preparing the CFD simulation test cases to be included in the FlowNet database and the final workshop in Marseille.

Datenbankreferenzen (Englisch)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 98.0064-3