A Feasible Method of Virtual Flow Field Simulation - Part I: An Interface from Fluent to RTT

Dassault Systèmes' RTT system is a real-time virtual reality one that can achieve a virtual flow field simulation. However, the relative module is not only expensive, but also not satisfied in openness. A novel and feasible method is presented here to realize three-dimensional virtual streamlines based on RTT system without using the relative module in RTT system. An interface system, CFD-RTT, has been also prototyped. Some algorithms have been investigated and applied in it such as streamline generation and arrangement and IGES exchange file. It uses an adaptive step method for generating a streamline through ANSYS Fluent simulation data. Three ways for the streamline arrangement are proposed such as evenly spacing, automatically spacing and interactively spacing according to the features of global or local flow field. The streamlines are imported into Autodesk Alias Automotive system via an IGES file, and then applied the appropriate streamline type, and integrated with the vehicle model, which is used for the simulation in Fluent. The streamlines and the vehicle model are then imported into RTT system via a wire file for simulation in a virtual reality environment.