How to Use CFD Software Online: Options and Platforms

Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is widely used across various industries to simulate fluid behavior. Traditional CFD software is often run locally, but advancements in cloud computing have given rise to several online options. This article explores the different ways to use CFD software online, suitable for professionals and students looking to leverage cloud-based solutions.

Online Course Options

For those interested in learning more about CFD and specific software like Ansys, several online courses can be highly beneficial. Platforms like Coursera, Lynda, and Udemy offer comprehensive courses.

These courses typically cover a range of topics from basic principles of fluid dynamics to advanced simulation techniques, providing a solid foundation for those transitioning to CFD software. Additionally, many of these courses often offer a free trial or version of the software, allowing learners to practice and apply their new skills immediately.

Online CFD Platforms

Accessing CFD simulations online can be achieved through several methods, each with its own unique advantages. Some of the key methods include:

1. Fully Browser-Based Integrations

These platforms offer a fully browser-based integration, eliminating the need for software installation on your local machine. They typically use open-source solvers as the base, making them accessible and easy to use. Here are a few examples:

SimScale ESI Cloud

2. Cloud Computing with Your Own License

For users who prefer to use their own licenses, cloud platforms can run CFD simulations using various commercial codes. Several platforms have emerged to cater to this need:

Rescale Nimbix Ubercloud

3. Running on Amazon AWS and Similar Cloud Providers

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and similar platforms offer the option to install and run CFD software directly on their cloud infrastructure. For instance, CFD Direct provides OpenFOAM on Amazon EC2, giving users the flexibility to run their simulations online.

4. Private Data Center

For users with stringent data privacy requirements, setting up a private data center can be a viable option. This allows simulations to be run remotely while maintaining control over data.

Adapting to Offline CFD Software

Much of the CFD software is designed to run locally due to the significant computational power required. Offline CFD software is preferred by research organizations, universities, and industries due to data privacy concerns. Complex simulations like Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) and Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) can take months to solve a single case, making online simulations impractical for many users.

SimScale: An Online CFD Platform

One platform that has gained attention for its online CFD capabilities is SimScale. By simply uploading your model, specifying boundary conditions, and submitting, the software can handle the heavy computational load. The results are then sent to you. While I have not used SimScale personally, feedback from users suggests it can be a powerful tool for online CFD simulations.

For a more in-depth review of SimScale and other online CFD platforms, please stay tuned as I will update this answer with my personal experience and observations.