Computational Fluid Dynamics

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Does anyone know of any worthwhile fluid dynamics programs for architects? Ideally one that can produce graphical representatives of data. I am looking to study the air flow on my designs to a specific degree and having trouble finding something accessible, especially where integration with know architectural software is concerned. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I too am interested in this question. I honestly haven't done much searching, but have wondered what tools might be out there.

[Anonymous]

I think EcoTect offers some form of this (or so I've heard). ArchiPhysik may also have some tools for this, though I haven't heard from/about them in some time.

[Anonymous]

So far, in my explorations I have found 2 possible candidates that could produce the kind of output that I'm looking for. The first is called Star-CCM+ and the second is XFlow (Produced by NextLimit, makers of Maxwell Render). As far as I can tell, XFlow is not yet obtainable though. But it looks very promising.

On a side note, Hevacomp by Bentley has some interesting tools for air flow but seems to be aimed more at internal ducting etc.

[Anonymous]

Chris wrote:
Does anyone know of any worthwhile fluid dynamics programs for architects? [...]

You might Google "contam2" +software +air. I do not know whether CFD is used, but perhaps it's not the method so much as the result you're looking for.
-DT

[Anonymous]

You may find NISTIR 6967 "LoopDA - Natural Ventilation Design and Analysis Software," by W. Stuart Dols & Steven J. Emmerich of particular visual interest.

[Aaron Bourgoin]

Design Builder is one I've heard very good things about lately.

http://www.designbuilder.co.uk/

Another is TAS

http://www.edsl.net/main/