FEATool 1.9 - Multi-Physics Simulation in MATLAB

FEATool Multiphysics version 1.9 has
now been updated and released as a dedicated MATLAB Add-On
and self-contained Toolbox. Available directly from the MATLAB
Add-Ons Toolbar, FEATool now features easy and convenient
one-click installation and Toolbox accessibility.

Improved OpenFOAM GUI

Introduced with FEATool 1.8, the
OpenFOAM CFD solver interface has been
significantly enhanced and improved with the following enhancements

• Support for non-constant and general initial and boundary
  condition expressions (automatic interpolation of non-constant
  expressions to OpenFOAM boundary case files, such as parabolic
  flow profiles)

• Support for axisymmetry and swirl flows (automatic conversion of
  2D grids to 3D periodic wedge grid slices compatible with
  axisymmetric OpenFOAM case files)

• Support for inviscid compressible flows with the rhoCentralFoam
  solver

• Improved k-epsilon and k-omega turbulence modeling interface with
  automatic calculation of turbulence inlet quantities via given
  turbulence intensity and length scale

• Real-time convergence curves plots. Convergence curves are now
  displayed during the solution process for easier and more
  convenient solution process monitoring

The MATLAB CFD interface for the OpenFOAM CFD solver allows users to
conveniently model both laminar and fully turbulent incompressible and
compressible flow problems all within an easy to use fully integrated
Graphical User Interface (GUI).

The modeling and simulation steps can optionally be saved from the
FEATool GUI and exported as editable m-file script files. This allows
for programmatic modeling and custom scripting with support for all
MATLAB toolboxes and functions.

New Physics Modes for Flow Simulation

FEATool 1.9 features two new pre-defined physics modes for flow
simulations. The new compressible Euler equations physics mode
allows for modeling of inviscid and supersonic fluid flows with
shock-waves. In addition, the built-in CAD tools now also feature
built-in and pre-defined wing shapes for NACA 4-series wing profiles.
Moreover, a dedicated axisymmetric physics mode for flows with swirl
effects is now also available (modeling axisymmetric flows with
non-zero azimuthal velocity).

Solver Improvements

Along with the new pre-defined flow equations the built-in solvers
have been significantly improved to better handle more challenging
flow regimes. Incompressible flows are now per-default discretized
with linear P₁ FEM elements and stabilized with a Pressure
Stabilized Petrov-Galerkin (PSPG) formulation. In contrast to the
previously employed P₂P₁ FEM elements this new
approach leads to a more cost effective discretization and faster time
to solution. Furthermore, incompressible flow problems can now be
initialized with inviscid Potential flow solutions for better
initial guesses and improved solver convergence.

In addition, for high Reynolds number and convection dominated
problems a new discrete TVD type upwinding approach is employed which,
in contrast to traditional FEM artificial (SUPG) stabilization, can
eliminate unphysical under and over-shoots and also efficiently
capture discontinuous phenomena such as shocks. This type of
stabilization also improves general convection-diffusion type
problems, such as heat transfer problems involving advection and
chemical reaction problems.

Additional New Features

• Improved grid generation interface with support for boundary layer meshing
• More accurate parametrization and meshing of curved boundaries
• Built-in automated tutorial models and examples
• Direct point evaluation for 2D surface plots (by clicking in the plot)
• GUI and user interface (UI) improvements
• Extended backwards compatibility to MATLAB 2009b

Visit the FEATool Multiphysics 1.9 Release Announcement
for more information and toolbox download.