To configure your computer for Ansys Fluent, you need to meet the following system requirements³:
- Operating System: 64-bit Windows 11 or 10
- CPU/Processor: 2.5 GHz (3+ GHz recommended) Such as the AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, Intel Core i7-3770K or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM (16GB recommended)
- Hard drive space: 30 GB
- Graphics card: Such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, Quadro K6000, AMD Radeon RX 470 or better
- Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution with True Color
These are the minimum requirements for running Ansys Fluent, but you may need more powerful hardware depending on the size and complexity of your simulation models. You can also refer to the platform support and recommendations provided by Ansys¹ or the recommended hardware by DRD Technology⁴ for more guidance.
Source:
(1) ANSYS FLUENT System Requirements - Burak BoÄŸa. https://burakboga.com/en/ansys-fluent-system-requirements/.
(2) Platform Support and Recommendations | Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/it-solutions/platform-support.
(3) Ansys Recommended Hardware | DRD Technology. https://www.drd.com/support/recommended-windows-hardware/.
(4) Ansys Fluent | Fluid Simulation Software. https://www.ansys.com/products/fluids/ansys-fluent.
(5) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/in-this-photo-illustration-the-ansys-logo-seen-displayed-on-news-photo/1212478964.
What are recommended hardware configuration for complex cfd analysis in Ansys Fluent ?
There is no definitive answer to the best hardware configuration for complex CFD analysis in Ansys Fluent, as it depends on many factors such as the size and complexity of the model, the solver settings, the parallelization strategy, and the budget and availability of the hardware. However, some general guidelines can be followed to optimize the performance and efficiency of Ansys Fluent simulations. Here are some of the main aspects to consider:
- Processor: Ansys Fluent can benefit from processors that support Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 512 (AVX512), such as the Intel Xeon Scalable processors from the Cascade Lake SP 62xx and AP 92xx families². These processors can deliver higher performance for vectorized operations that are common in CFD solvers. However, the processor clock speed and core count are also important factors, especially for large-scale simulations that run on multiple nodes. A higher clock speed can improve the single-thread performance, while a higher core count can increase the parallel scalability. However, there is a trade-off between these two factors, as increasing the core count usually reduces the clock speed and the memory bandwidth per core. Therefore, it is recommended to select a processor that has a balanced ratio of clock speed, core count, and memory bandwidth, depending on the simulation needs. For example, the Intel Xeon Gold 6258R processor has 28 cores, 2.7 GHz base frequency, 4.0 GHz turbo frequency, and 205.6 GB/s memory bandwidth². This processor can be a good choice for Ansys Fluent simulations that require high performance and scalability.
- Memory: Ansys Fluent requires enough memory (RAM) to store the simulation data and avoid paging to the hard drive, which can significantly slow down the simulation. The amount of memory required depends on the size of the mesh, the number of variables, the solver settings, and the number of cores used. A general rule of thumb is to have 8 GB of RAM per core for Ansys Fluent simulations². However, this can vary depending on the specific case and the solver options. For example, some solvers, such as the coupled pressure-based solver, require more memory than others, such as the segregated pressure-based solver. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the memory usage of the simulation and adjust the memory allocation accordingly. In addition, it is important to ensure that the memory is distributed evenly across the memory channels of the processor, to maximize the memory bandwidth and avoid performance degradation. For example, if the processor has six memory channels, then each channel should have the same amount of memory modules with the same capacity and speed.
- Storage: Ansys Fluent requires fast and reliable storage devices to read and write the simulation data, such as the mesh files, the solution files, the restart files, and the output files. The speed and capacity of the storage devices depend on the size and frequency of the data transfers, which can vary depending on the simulation settings and the user preferences. A general recommendation is to use solid state drives (SSDs) instead of hard disk drives (HDDs), as SSDs have much faster read and write speeds, lower latency, and higher reliability than HDDs. Moreover, SSDs can be configured in a RAID 0 array, which can further increase the storage performance by distributing the data across multiple drives. However, RAID 0 does not provide any redundancy or fault tolerance, so it is recommended to have a backup system in case of drive failure. For example, two 1 TB PCIe SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration can provide fast and ample storage space for Ansys Fluent simulations³.
- Networking: Ansys Fluent requires high-speed and low-latency networking devices to communicate the simulation data between the nodes in a cluster, especially for large-scale simulations that use hundreds or thousands of cores. The networking performance can affect the parallel scalability and efficiency of Ansys Fluent simulations, as well as the overall simulation time. Therefore, it is recommended to use networking devices that support high bandwidth and low latency protocols, such as InfiniBand or Ethernet. In addition, it is recommended to use dedicated networks for Ansys Fluent simulations, to avoid interference and congestion from other network traffic. For example, a 100 Gb/s InfiniBand network can provide high-performance and low-latency communication for Ansys Fluent simulations that run on multiple nodes.
These are some of the main hardware aspects to consider for complex CFD analysis in Ansys Fluent, but there may be other factors that are specific to the simulation case and the hardware environment. Therefore, it is advisable to test and benchmark different hardware configurations and simulation settings, to find the optimal solution for the simulation needs. For more detailed and comprehensive advice on selecting the best hardware for Ansys Fluent simulations, you can watch the webinar: Hardware & Usability Guidelines for Engineering Simulations². I hope this helps you. 😊.
Source:
(1) Hardware Tips to Accelerate Simulation | Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/blog/hardware-tips-to-accelerate-simulation.
(2) Ansys Recommended Hardware | DRD Technology. https://www.drd.com/support/recommended-windows-hardware/.
(3) General recommendations for CFD hardware [WIP] - CFD Online. https://www.cfd-online.com/Forums/hardware/234076-general-recommendations-cfd-hardware-wip.html.
(4) Hardware Recommendations for Running Ansys Software - r and Sim. https://resources.randsim.com/rand-simulation-solutions-blog/hardware-recommendations-for-running-ansys-software.
(5) Ansys Fluent Expert Review, Pricing and Alternatives - 2023 - WorQuick. https://www.worquick.com/post/fluent_review.
How can I optimize Ansys Fluent for my hardware?
Optimizing Ansys Fluent for your hardware can be a challenging task, as it depends on many factors such as the type and complexity of your simulation, the hardware specifications and availability, and the simulation settings and options. However, there are some general tips and guidelines that can help you improve the performance and efficiency of your Ansys Fluent simulations. Here are some of them:
- Start with a fine mesh: A high-quality mesh is essential for accurate simulation results. A fine mesh can capture the flow features and gradients more accurately, and reduce the numerical errors and discretization effects. However, a fine mesh also increases the computational cost and memory requirements of the simulation. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a fine mesh and then perform a mesh sensitivity analysis to find the optimal mesh size and quality for your simulation. You can use the mesh adaptation feature in Ansys Fluent to refine or coarsen the mesh based on the solution variables, such as pressure, velocity, or y-plus².
- Use appropriate boundary conditions: Choosing the right boundary conditions for your simulation is crucial for accurate results. You should select the boundary conditions that best represent the physical situation of your problem, and avoid using unrealistic or incompatible boundary conditions that can cause numerical instability or divergence. For example, you should avoid using a pressure outlet boundary condition at the inlet of a pipe flow, or a velocity inlet boundary condition at the outlet of a nozzle flow. You should also check the boundary condition values and units, and make sure they are consistent with the flow regime and the solver settings. For example, you should use a compressible solver and a total pressure boundary condition for a supersonic flow, or a laminar solver and a no-slip boundary condition for a low-Reynolds-number flow².
- Use the right solver: Ansys Fluent offers a range of solvers for different types of simulations. You should choose the solver that is most suitable for your problem, and that can provide the best balance between accuracy and speed. For example, you should use a pressure-based solver for incompressible or mildly compressible flows, or a density-based solver for highly compressible or transonic flows. You should also use a coupled solver for faster convergence and better stability, or a segregated solver for more flexibility and robustness. You should also select the appropriate discretization schemes and linear solvers for your simulation, and adjust the solver parameters and convergence criteria to optimize the solver performance².
- Use parallel processing: Ansys Fluent can take advantage of parallel processing to speed up the simulation and reduce the memory requirements. Parallel processing can be done on a single machine with multiple cores, or on a cluster with multiple nodes. You should use parallel processing for large or complex simulations that require a lot of computational resources, or for multiple simulations that can be run simultaneously. However, parallel processing also introduces some overhead and communication costs, which can affect the scalability and efficiency of the simulation. Therefore, you should choose the optimal number of processors and the best partitioning method for your simulation, and monitor the parallel performance metrics such as speedup, efficiency, and load balance².
- Use optimization tools: Ansys Fluent can be integrated with optimization tools such as Ansys optiSLang, which can help you explore the design space and find the optimal solution for your simulation. You can use optimization tools to perform sensitivity analysis, design of experiments, metamodeling, gradient-based optimization, and reduced-order modeling. These tools can help you improve the accuracy and reliability of your simulation results, and reduce the computational cost and time. You can also use optimization tools to create digital twins of your physical systems, and perform real-time simulation.
Source:
(1) 10 Tips For Optimizing Simulations In ANSYS Fluent - MR CFD. https://www.mr-cfd.com/10-tips-for-optimizing-simulations-in-ansys-fluent/.
(2) Optimize Your Simulation with Ansys Fluent and Ansys optiSLang. https://www.ansys.com/webinars/optimize-your-simulation/optimize-simulation-fluent-optislang.
(3) Ansys Fluent Gradient-Based Optimization | Ansys Training. https://www.ansys.com/training-center/course-catalog/fluids/ansys-fluent-gradient-based-optimization.
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