What do you CFD guys do during a long simulation running?

bearcat · July 21, 2009, 12:39

A stupid but common question.

From my knowlewdge, CFD code running is a very special job compared with many other subjects. FEA code often takes seconds to finish, and most experimental work can go instantly because it's done by the God. But CFD code running usually costs hours, days or even more. People have to spend time waiting before they can begin the next step.

Just wonder what do you CFD guys do during the long computer running?

First, of course we can relax, take a break or go to restroom. But I think people have to be attendant more or less, checking progress, if it's diverging or if the tendency is correct. And we may stop the running periodically, backup and postprocess the interrim data a little bit.

Second, reading books or papers during this time sounds not bad. But I feel like it's not easy concentrating on reading when you've to care for the computer also.

Thrid, I've bad experience if I went home for sleep or went for a vacation during this boring time. May be I was just in bad luck. The simulations often went wrong, diverged, or computer got into unexpected trouble (stall or restarted by others).

Therefore, running a CFD code is a painful work. Any good advice?

ztdep · July 22, 2009, 02:43

i do turbulent direct numerical simulation(DNS), it takes me about one month to get a result. During this period, i have many thing to do, reading paper, write code is my main job.
LOL.

Ford Prefect · July 22, 2009, 06:21

What? No, don't break the illusion that we are actually working and not just simulating work as well!

Lysistrata · July 23, 2009, 01:16

Play Civ IV, watch Brit shows like Screen Wipe, 8 out 10 Cats etc.

vinayender · July 23, 2009, 05:34

Postprocess for earlier runs..............

shekharc · July 23, 2009, 09:08

That's the best way to pass the time!

July 21, 2009, 12:39	What do you CFD guys do during a long simulation running?	#1
bearcat Member bearcat Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 35 Rep Power: 17	A stupid but common question. From my knowlewdge, CFD code running is a very special job compared with many other subjects. FEA code often takes seconds to finish, and most experimental work can go instantly because it's done by the God. But CFD code running usually costs hours, days or even more. People have to spend time waiting before they can begin the next step. Just wonder what do you CFD guys do during the long computer running? First, of course we can relax, take a break or go to restroom. But I think people have to be attendant more or less, checking progress, if it's diverging or if the tendency is correct. And we may stop the running periodically, backup and postprocess the interrim data a little bit. Second, reading books or papers during this time sounds not bad. But I feel like it's not easy concentrating on reading when you've to care for the computer also. Thrid, I've bad experience if I went home for sleep or went for a vacation during this boring time. May be I was just in bad luck. The simulations often went wrong, diverged, or computer got into unexpected trouble (stall or restarted by others). Therefore, running a CFD code is a painful work. Any good advice? Last edited by bearcat; July 22, 2009 at 11:53.

July 22, 2009, 06:21		#3
Ford Prefect Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 157 Rep Power: 17	What? No, don't break the illusion that we are actually working and not just simulating work as well! __________________ "Trying is the first step to failure." - Homer Simpson

July 23, 2009, 05:34		#5
vinayender New Member Vinayender Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: India Posts: 24 Rep Power: 17	Postprocess for earlier runs.............. __________________ Thanks , Vinayender

July 23, 2009, 09:08	pr0n	#6
shekharc New Member Chandra Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 17	That's the best way to pass the time!

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July 22, 2009, 02:43		#2
ztdep Senior Member p ding Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 427 Rep Power: 19	i do turbulent direct numerical simulation(DNS), it takes me about one month to get a result. During this period, i have many thing to do, reading paper, write code is my main job. LOL.

July 23, 2009, 01:16		#4
Lysistrata Member Skeptic Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 67 Rep Power: 17	Play Civ IV, watch Brit shows like Screen Wipe, 8 out 10 Cats etc.