User:Hamishlewis/ADFlo

ADFlo:Thermo-Fluid Network Analysis Tool Thermal and fluid flow analysis software package with capabilities for solving thermal and flow problems for many different industries and applications. ADFlo uses a 1D Systems modeling approach which allows the user to use a component based approach rather than creating a full 3D model. These components can be based on empirical, testing, or other data. This approach allows for rapid prototyping and testing for interchanging different components in a system or for tweaking properties of the model and it's components. Unlike in the 3D approach, geometrical changes are potentially as easy as changing a single value in the model. However, if a more detailed component is desired, ADFlo allows for incorporating 3D models into the system of other 1D components.

Background
In 2007, the Thermal Management group at the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command requested a new software, that would allow for the design and development of a prototype modeling and simulation tool for rapid thermal analysis in support of evaluation and optimization of propulsion cooling systems in conventional and hybrid military ground vehicles. By offering to provide a complete thermal management environment that offers a variety of approaches each ideal for modeling a type of cooling component/scenario, TES International was awarded the contract. Since then the development has created both a Simple Flow and Thermal Network Analysis Tool, and a complex variable fidelity Thermal/Fluid Suite that combines several analytical methods.

Technical capability
Building Complex Thermo Fluid System Models and Running Simulation Analysis

This will include the ability to link and couple various model types from simple “network” based models to more complex models involving a mixture of “networks” and full CFD/Computational Heat Transfer based component modeling. TES has a wide range of experience in the development of thermal analysis software. Through collaboration with TACOM, under another SBIR, TES has developed an efficient analysis package which will be modified and customized during Phase I to meet the goals of this investigation.

At its core Flowmaster has a versatile, rapid transient solver, which is combined with in-built empirical data from DS Miller, providing system engineers which an advanced Thermo-fluid System Modelling & Simulation solution. This enables them to:
 * Quickly build complex system models using the extensive catalogue of component models
 * Carry out fast batch simulations (Steady State and Transient) of Incompressible and Compressible systems with Heat Transfer analysis
 * Balance the flow and distribution around pipe networks optimising component sizes

Management of Simulation Data

The challenge for all engineering projects is how to manage design and simulation data in a way that upholds Quality Assurance processes without restricting the flow of information through the development process. This becomes harder when handling multiple projects with suppliers, generating large quantities of engineering data and work that crosses international borders.

Flowmaster uses an industry standard relational database to store all model and simulation data. Users can work with a local database or logon to a centrally served database which allows multiple users to access the same source of data at all the stages of product development or maintenance.


 * Live project data - database search, user group management, audit trail, mass data update, flexible mobile working and data signoff
 * Legacy data – instantly identify signed off systems to review design decisions, ensure clear traceability of past project data and safeguard expert knowledge by capturing procedures and methodologies.
 * Extending data use – save sub-system templates, store additional component data such as mass and cost, use the open API’s to link with other data sources including CAE tools, CAD and PLM.

Co-simulation and software integration

Engineering projects often require multiple software tools throughout the development process, therefore the ability for these tools to communicate with and share data with one another becomes increasingly important. Flowmaster is based upon extendable open architecture and can integrate with other product development tools and systems, including optimisation codes ModeFRONTIER and iSight Engineers can co-simulate with other leading CAE/CFD tools such as MATLAB, STAR-CD, ANSYS Fluent to optimise overall system performance and aid component development and selection.

Application uses
Since it’s creation in 1987 Flowmaster’s use within engineering has spanned many system applications in a wide variety of industry sectors. These are summarised below:
 * Aerospace: ECS, Fuel systems, Hydraulics, Potable Water, Aero Engines,
 * Automotive: Airside, Air Conditioning, Cooling, Exhaust systems, Fuel Injection, Lubrication systems,Vehicle Thermal Management
 * Marine: Chilled Water, Potable Water, Ballast Systems, Heavy Duty, Diesel Engines
 * Oil & Gas: Trim & Ballast, Venting, Inert Gas Distribution, Cargo Heating, Fire Protection, Offloading, Subsea Hydraulic Control
 * Power Generation: Cooling Systems, Heavy Duty Diesel Engines, Gas Turbine Secondary Air
 * Process: Flow Distribution, Pump Sizing, Cooling Systems, Heating Systems, Clean Room, Air Filtration
 * Water: Potable Water, Rising Main, Flow Distribution

The Company
The ADFlo software is developed by TES International LLC. TES International is an American company with its headquarters in Troy, MI, serving OEMs and their suppliers worldwide. The reference list includes companies like United Technologies Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens Power Generation, Boeing, General Electric, United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Sumitomo Corporation, BAE Systems, Hella (company), General Motors, Ford Motor Company.