Autodesk’s simulation software portfolio is already pretty solid – the 3D design, engineering and entertainment software company even has a team of “simulation junkies” known as the “SIM Squad” who offer assistance, or simply a place to speak geek (their word, not ours) with fellow users. With the recent release of its simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, Autodesk is expanding that portfolio by providing a comprehensive and flexible set of tools to automate fluid flow and thermal simulation, while eliminating physical prototype cycles that are both costly and time-consuming.

The Autodesk Simulation CFD software integrates with Autodesk Inventor Fusion. It allows engineers to modify or simplify geometry quickly and easily from almost any computer-aided design system when running simulations. The software also extends digital prototyping to electronics cooling, mechanical, industrial, and consumer product applications.

Additionally, the software:

- Allows users to set up a simulation with one click to explore flow and thermal design options.

- Enables engineers to avoid repetitive tasks when creating a design study.

- Supports the design study process by making it easier to harness all available computational power on any user’s network.

- Helps users allocate workload across multiple workstations with a new remote solving manager.

- Enables more team members to be involved in each project with new workflow and collaboration functionality.

- Provides a powerful 3D viewer that works inside web browsers, enabling all team members to evaluate simulation results (even if they don’t have a Simulation CFD license).

- Extracts the data users need to drive design performance with new thermal image camera-like visualization capabilities and performance data output options to enhance decision making.

Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk says the new software will allow users to be more competitive through each step of the design process. He adds: “Making informed, up-front decisions about air flow, fluid flow or electronics cooling is critical to help design and manufacture safer, quality products or construct more energy efficient buildings.”