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CFD simulation using FLOW-3D
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(73 ratings)
2,342 students

CFD simulation using FLOW-3D

Mastering FLOW-3D: From Project Setup and Geometry Creation to Simulation, Result Export, and Animation.
Last updated 6/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Build complete CFD projects in FLOW-3D
  • Simulate open-channel and hydraulic flows
  • Analyze velocity, pressure and turbulence results
  • Generate professional engineering reports
  • Create animations and visualizations for presentations
  • Apply FLOW-3D to real engineering problems

Course content

1 section8 lectures1h 5m total length
  • Introduction to FLOW-3D2:38

    Explore Flow 3D, a CFD solver with free surface modeling for civil engineering, covering dams, spillways, rivers, and ports, with geometry from AutoCAD and results viewed in flow side.

  • Project Setup(create workspace and add simulation)3:01

    Install Flow 3D and AutoCAD, export geometry into Flow 3D, and view results in FlowSight after simulations finish. Create workspaces, add simulations, and edit general and physics settings.

  • Create Geometry13:27

    Create a rectangular open channel geometry in AutoCAD with piers and a bed slope, export as STL, then configure a FLOW-3D simulation using gravity, RNG two-equation model, and water properties.

  • Import Geometry, Mesh Generation, Boundary Conditions, and Run Simulation18:43

    Import the STL geometry and set up a FLOW-3D CFD simulation with roughness 0.02. Mesh 1 million cells, set inlet flow 0.05 m3/s with water, and run for hydraulic data.

  • Solving Problem part-14:40

    Troubleshoot a FLOW-3D CFD run by adjusting mesh block height for pier effects and increasing cell count to ensure realistic upstream water depth, solving problem part-1, then post-process results.

  • Solving Problem part-21:38

    Increase the cells of the relevant mesh block to match the first block, keeping similar mesh sizes to prevent inter-block flow problems, then rerun in the simulation manager.

  • Post Processing and Export Results12:13

    Post-process Flow-3D results by opening the data file, adjusting visibility, and examining iso surfaces, pressure, and velocity distributions using probes and clipping planes.

  • Create Animation for the Results8:43

    Learn to create results animations in Flow-3D by selecting velocity and pressure distributions, adjusting limits, rotating the model, and exporting MPEG-4 animations at chosen frame rates.

Requirements

  • Install AutoCAD and FLOW-3D on your computer

Description

Upon completing this course, you will achieve a comprehensive understanding and practical expertise in the following areas:

  1. Introduction to FLOW-3D: Students will gain a foundational understanding of FLOW-3D software, including its interface, core features, and applications in various fluid dynamics scenarios. They will be able to navigate the software with confidence and understand its capabilities and limitations.

  2. Project Setup and Geometry Creation: Learners will acquire the skills to efficiently set up new projects within FLOW-3D. They will learn how to create geometries from scratch and import existing geometries into the software. This includes understanding the formats supported by FLOW-3D and the steps required to ensure accurate geometry representation.

  3. Mesh Generation: Students will develop proficiency in generating meshes, a critical step in ensuring the accuracy of simulations. They will learn about different meshing techniques, how to optimize mesh quality, and how to troubleshoot common meshing issues. This knowledge will enable them to create effective computational grids for complex fluid dynamics problems.

  4. Boundary and Initial Conditions: Participants will understand how to define and apply boundary conditions and initial conditions to their simulations. They will learn the importance of these conditions in influencing simulation outcomes and will be able to set them up correctly to model real-world scenarios accurately.

  5. Running Simulations, Exporting Results, and Creating Animations: Students will gain hands-on experience in running simulations and monitoring their progress. They will learn how to export simulation results for further analysis and interpretation. Additionally, they will acquire the skills to create animations from their results, enhancing their ability to visualize and communicate the findings of their simulations effectively.

By mastering these outcomes, you will be equipped to utilize FLOW-3D for a wide range of fluid dynamics applications, from academic research to industry projects.

Who this course is for:

  • Water Resources Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Mechanic Engineers
  • CFD Users
  • Hobbyists and enthusiasts
  • Environmental Engineers
  • Hydraulic Engineers