What's New

View new features for AcuSolve 2025.

Altair AcuSolve 2025 Release Notes

Highlights

  • Porous media support for AcuSolve-EDEM coupling.
  • Support for multiple field interaction models in AcuSolve-EDEM coupling with multi-drag model selection.

New Features

Porous media support for AcuSolve-EDEM coupling
Modeling a screen or a filter using the AcuSolve-EDEM coupling approach presents a challenge due to the extremely high mesh count required for AcuSolve. Simplification is necessary to reduce computational time. In this scenario, the pressure drop in the flow is modeled using a porous medium, while particle interaction with the screen is handled in EDEM. The porous_medium_region parameter in the ELEMENT_SET can be used to activate the porous medium based on the physical velocity porous approach in one of the carrier field elements.
Multiple field interaction model support for EDEM coupling multi drag model selection
In AcuSolve-EDEM coupling, you may need to select different drag models for particles based on their size and shape. To achieve this, each drag model must be defined using the dedicated FIELD_INTERACTION_MODEL. To support this, a new parameter, edem_particles_names, is introduced which retrieves the list of EDEM particles referenced in the FIELD_INTERACTION_MODEL.
Coarse graining for EDEM coupling
In AcuSolve-EDEM coupling, the number of fine particles significantly impacts simulation runtime. To reduce computational cost, groups of fine particles can be represented by larger particles, known as "grains," thereby decreasing the total particle count in the simulation. The edem_coarse_grain_factor is used to adjust the coupling forces within this coarse-grain system. This factor ensures that the scaled dynamics of the grains accurately represent those of the original fine particles. The coarse grain factor is defined as the ratio of the grain radius to that of an individual original particle.
Non-zero starting time support
A new parameter, initial_time, under AUTO_SOLUTION_STRATEGY now allows you to set a non-zero starting time. While available for all standard AcuSolve simulations, this feature is especially useful for AcuSolve-EDEM coupling simulations, enabling AcuSolve to start at a specified non-zero time after initial particles are generated within EDEM.

Enhancements

Enhancements to auto_wall_surface and Improved Result Consistency
auto_wall_surface_output was revisited to streamline and enhance the heat balance process by eliminating duplicate surfaces. This improvement ensures complete and unique auto_wall surfaces, facilitating accurate heat balance calculations. Additionally, by changing the solver's default setting of exchange_sort_receive better consistency was achieved in results across and run-to-run variations.
Eliminating particle inputs for AcuSolve-EDEM coupling
In previous versions, AcuSolve-EDEM coupling for non-spherical particles required input parameters for sphericity, aspect ratio, and volume using edem_particles_sphericity_values and edem_particles_aspect_ratio_values. As of this version, these parameter requirements have been eliminated.
Floating monitor surface extended to mesh motion
Starting in version 2023, the floating surface output feature enables output data generation without requiring mesh construction around the desired surface. This version further extends this capability to domains with applied mesh motion.
Time-base curve-fit option for GRAVITY interpolation
In the GRAVITY command, a new curve fit variable of time is introduced, enabling you to easily interpolate user data over time without needing to rely on UDFs.
acuOdb enhancements
You can now export AcuSolve data in Abaqus (.odb) format with enhanced options: You can specify a particular element set using the ‘-outs’ option and apply model scaling with the ‘-scale’ parameter.
Documentation Additions
Training manual
  • The thermal-electric battery simulation setup and guidelines in the Solver Feature Guidelines have been updated, summarizing the required battery module input parameters and adding a new section detailing ECM parameter specifications for the battery model.
  • A new section on submitting AcuSolve jobs on Linux servers has been added to the Solver Feature Guidelines.
  • Details about the Eulerian multiphase models and turbulence models are now available under the AcuSolve Solver Features section.
SimLab-based Tutorial Updates
Two (2) tutorials for the SimLab CFD user interface have been updated. The updated tutorials are:
  • ACU-T: 3513/SL-2176 ARC-based Thermal Runaway: 1S1P Module
  • ACU-T: 7202/SL-2502: CFD Topology Optimization of Multiple Flow Paths

Resolved Issues

  • Users reported that acuSig for clean-stop was not functioning properly, with issues depending on the Linux version and hardware. This has been resolved in the 2025 version.