Single and double precision

MarcelloAsciolla · May 10, 2018, 17:45

I noticed that CFX solver can perform the simulations in single precision or double precision. I saw that the most common choose is the double one, because it is more accurate. But what must be considered for this choice? When is it possibile to use the single one?

ghorrocks · May 10, 2018, 19:26

Single precision uses less memory and is faster per iteration. But this decreased accuracy of the numerics means that convergence may be affected. So it depends on what you are modelling as to whether the numerics are sensitive to the loss in accuracy - some are, some are not.

MarcelloAsciolla · May 10, 2018, 19:50

I am looking for something more specific (in turbulence terms, heat transfer problems, multiphase situations, ..., I do not know), where could I have a bigger effect of the loss of accuracy and why?

Opaque · May 10, 2018, 20:08

It only matters for cases with the differences between large numbers is meaningful, for example, pressure gradient or cases where the mesh aspect ratio is fairly large, i.e. highly refined boundary layers.

The pressure gradient issue can be dealt with by setting an appropriate Reference Pressure, then a single precision solver can be used. If you use the double precision solver, setting the Reference Pressure to 0 will work as well.

ghorrocks · May 10, 2018, 20:17

Any simulation where convergence is difficult is likely to be helped by double precision. So many multiphase, compressible flow are likely to qualify. But there are a few multiphase and compressible flow simulations which are easy to converge so they will run fine on single precision.

The key thing is how hard it is to obtain convergence, rather than the type of simulation.

Gert-Jan · May 11, 2018, 04:27

I tend to use double precision in cases where heat transfer comes plays an important role. The large enthalpy numbers, makes it necessary to be precise when these are subtracted and single precision srews up the accuracy.

May 10, 2018, 17:45	Single and double precision	#1
MarcelloAsciolla Member Marcello Asciolla Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Italy Posts: 43 Rep Power: 8	I noticed that CFX solver can perform the simulations in single precision or double precision. I saw that the most common choose is the double one, because it is more accurate. But what must be considered for this choice? When is it possibile to use the single one?

May 10, 2018, 19:26		#2
ghorrocks Super Moderator Glenn Horrocks Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,871 Rep Power: 144	Single precision uses less memory and is faster per iteration. But this decreased accuracy of the numerics means that convergence may be affected. So it depends on what you are modelling as to whether the numerics are sensitive to the loss in accuracy - some are, some are not. __________________ Note: I do not answer CFD questions by PM. CFD questions should be posted on the forum.

May 10, 2018, 20:17		#5
ghorrocks Super Moderator Glenn Horrocks Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,871 Rep Power: 144	Any simulation where convergence is difficult is likely to be helped by double precision. So many multiphase, compressible flow are likely to qualify. But there are a few multiphase and compressible flow simulations which are easy to converge so they will run fine on single precision. The key thing is how hard it is to obtain convergence, rather than the type of simulation. __________________ Note: I do not answer CFD questions by PM. CFD questions should be posted on the forum.

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May 10, 2018, 19:50		#3
MarcelloAsciolla Member Marcello Asciolla Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Italy Posts: 43 Rep Power: 8	I am looking for something more specific (in turbulence terms, heat transfer problems, multiphase situations, ..., I do not know), where could I have a bigger effect of the loss of accuracy and why?

May 10, 2018, 20:08		#4
Opaque Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,880 Rep Power: 33	It only matters for cases with the differences between large numbers is meaningful, for example, pressure gradient or cases where the mesh aspect ratio is fairly large, i.e. highly refined boundary layers. The pressure gradient issue can be dealt with by setting an appropriate Reference Pressure, then a single precision solver can be used. If you use the double precision solver, setting the Reference Pressure to 0 will work as well.

May 11, 2018, 04:27		#6
Gert-Jan Senior Member Gert-Jan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Europe Posts: 1,928 Rep Power: 28	I tend to use double precision in cases where heat transfer comes plays an important role. The large enthalpy numbers, makes it necessary to be precise when these are subtracted and single precision srews up the accuracy.