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Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
Domain
Define the solid and fluid domains for the Fluids simulation.
Fluid Domain
Define the fluid domain by identifying it in an imported model or creating one. The fluid domain is created based on the bounding solid domain, not the embedded solid domain.

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Variables
Create and assign variables to parametrize a model. This allows you to quickly iterate and compare design concepts by tweaking the values of the variables.
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Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
Motion
Set up and run a motion analysis, plot the results, and export the results.
Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
- Overview
  Read a high-level overview of Inspire Fluids with usage notes directly from the Fluids product team.
- System Requirements
  A list of supported operating systems and minimum requirements for hardware and memory.
- Materials and Libraries
  Create materials, assign materials to parts, and organize them into libraries.
- Domain
  Define the solid and fluid domains for the Fluids simulation.
  - Bounding Solid Domain
    Designate one or more parts as the bounding solid domain.
  - Embedded Solid Domain
    Reposition or modify one or more parts between design iterations while keeping the geometry of the static solid and fluid domains constant. This prevents the need to re-identify the fluid volume for each design iteration.
  - Rotating Component
    Turn an embedded solid into a virtual rotating part whose rotation will be simulated in a fluid analysis.
  - Fluid Domain
    Define the fluid domain by identifying it in an imported model or creating one. The fluid domain is created based on the bounding solid domain, not the embedded solid domain.
  - Porous Media
    Turn an undefined part into a porous medium and define its characteristics for simulation purposes.
- Conditions
  Include at least one inlet and one outlet, and define the fluid and thermal boundary conditions.
- Run
  Run and review the results of a Fluids analysis.
- Best Practices
  Read workflow tips and usage recommendations from the Fluids product team to help improve your simulation results.
- Troubleshooting
  Need help troubleshooting a problem in Inspire Fluids? Check out our troubleshooting topics.
Design Explorer
Evaluate designs by using geometric variables and applying a design-of-experiments (DOE) or optimization method. We recommend fully constraining your sketch when sketch variables are used in the design exploration.
Manufacture
Set up and run a basic porosity or thinning analysis.
Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
Rendering
Adjust the materials and environment of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Inspire Python API
Learn how to access the Inspire Python API including online help, quick start demos, and the Extension Manager.
Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

Fluid Domain

Define the fluid domain by identifying it in an imported model or creating one. The fluid domain is created based on the bounding solid domain, not the embedded solid domain.

Designate the Fluid Domain

Identify the fluid domain in an imported model.

On the Fluids ribbon, select the Designate the Fluid Domain tool in the Fluid tool group.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
Select the parts that represent the fluid domain. The fluid domain should be contained within the solid domain.
In the microdialog, assign a material.
Optional: Enable the Variable Density option to analyze natural convection in the fluid domain.
1. In the dropdown menu, select a convection model: choose between Boussinesq and Ideal Gas.
2. If you selected the Boussinesq model, enter the fluid material's expansion coefficient and reference temperature.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Create a Fluid Domain

Create a fluid domain by selecting the parts whose cavities will be filled with fluid.

On the Fluids ribbon, select the Create a Fluid Domain tool in the Fluid tool group.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
On the guidebar, choose one of the following options.
- Bounding Solids: Select this option to only fill designated bounding solids with fluid.
- Manual Selection: Select this option to choose which parts will be filled with fluid.
- All Solids: The cavities of both the Bounding Solid Domain and Embedded Solid Domain will be filled with fluid.
In the microdialog, assign a material.
Optional: Enable the Variable Density option to analyze natural convection in the fluid domain.
1. In the dropdown menu, select a convection model: choose between Boussinesq and Ideal Gas.
2. If you selected the Boussinesq model, enter the fluid material's expansion coefficient and reference temperature.
On the guide bar, click Apply.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.