Using Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD in Matlab

Hi There, I have a situation that requires Computational Fluid Dynamics to simulate a pump in a swimming pool. I have attached three scenario's of the type of problem I need to consider. I would like to know if Matlab is able to solve this problem, and if so, which tools to use? I have extensive experience in electromagnetic simulation, but am beginning to find my way in CFD. Thanks, John

[Precise Simulation]

If you are still interested in running CFD simulations from Matlab scripts and maybe importing the results and data, you can maybe use the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox Add-On from the File Exchange which supports running OpenFOAM from MATLAB GUI and scripts.

Answer 1

[Torsten]

Are you sure that these problems are really meant to be solved with "full CFD" ?

MATLAB does not have a CFD tool - you will have to use Openfoam, ANSYS or related software tools.

[John]

Thanks. Yes I see that Matlab works with Openfoam, and also Quickersim. So part of the question is whether anyone has used these tools within Matlab, and whether they think the problem I have described can be solved. I have used Ansys Fluent to solve the first two scenario's described in the images I uploaded, but it cannot move the fluid pumps (what I call 'Scenario 3'). I wondered whether that would be possible in Matlab because you have more control over the script.

[Torsten]

I wondered whether that would be possible in Matlab because you have more control over the script.

My advice : stick to ANSYS Fluent. If you really want to solve these problems with "full CFD", you have a free-surface problem - one of the most difficult problems in CFD. So you will only have a chance to get valid results if you use the best tools.

[John]

OK thanks I appreciate the advice.