What's new?

Surface triangulation speed-up

A major improvement of the STL surface export performance of rotational symmetric components is achieved by taking into account periodic conditions.

Improved blade-to-blade passage calculation

Universal and more accurate cross section calculation by determining the isothermal surfaces after solving the heat conduction equation.

Modern graphic for project handling in main window

Use of new graphics technology for comfortable component management.

Modernized manual presentation

Previous format is replaced by the modern eWriter file format.

New export interface "Ansys Mechanical"

Exports the solid domains of components. Also supported by the CFturbo Ansys Workbench extension.

Simscale export improvements

Relative offset definition by rotating zone offset factor is more robust, especially for multiple impellers within a project.
Compressors and gas turbines are fully supported now.

Wrap angle, blade overlapping for airfoil/ hydrofoil

Information is available in the design window and design report as well as batch run output parameter.

Ansys Workbench extension: Output parameter

All CFturbo output parameters can be used in the Ansys WB parameter set, e.g. as responses in optimizations or samplings.

Ansys Workbench extension: Ansys Mechanical

The Ansys Mechanical export interface fosters the convenient setup of FEA simulations within Ansys Workbench.

CFturbo BLADERUNNER: Transient simulations

Transient simulations can be run alternatively to steady-state.

CFturbo BLADERUNNER: Flexible diagram handling

Diagrams can be undocked and arranged in any desired position.

CFturbo BLADERUNNER

New software to streamline the simulation of CFturbo designs (currently supported CFD system: Simerics)

Wall thickness for volutes

New design step to specify wall thickness of volutes

Alternatively using REFPROP library fur fluid properties

Automatically available if installed

Export of gas property tables for real gas behavior

Properties can be exported for all real gas model, where Simerics is directly supported

Output parameters in batch mode

Selection of output parameters, which can be used as constraints during optimization runs

NACA profile parameters available for optimization

NACA and circular profiles can be optimized parametrically

Max. blade thickness available in report and optimization

Thickness value and location are available in the report and as batch output parameter

More flexible positioning of linked components

Alternatively to absolute z-positioning, specification of axial offset is now available

3D coordinate system orientation by "View Cube"

Click on cube sides changes the orientation of the coordinate system accordingly

Flexible cone angle of double volute cross sections

Until now, a constant cone angle had to be used

Individual splitter blade profiling

Linked splitter blades can have deviating thickness distribution optionally

CFturbo FEA: Advanced CAD-Geometry import

Generation of imprints and/or deletion of overlapping solid parts can be performed automatically during CAD import

CFturbo FEA: Automatic creation of contacts

Surfaces of different solids are automatically recognized as contacts within a given tolerance

CFturbo FEA: Different contact behavior

Bonded, non-separating and frictional (separable) contacts can be specified

Draft angle for spiral sections

Upper sides of the cross-sections are not necessarily tangential at the center line, but can have a draft angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

Draft angle for splitter of double volutes

Splitter can have a draft angle with respect to the horizontal direction optionally on upper and lower side.

Specification of stator losses

Stator losses can be specified by loss coefficients ζ or total pressure loss Δpt . For compressible fluids the isentropic velocity ratio can be used alternatively.

Variable density for liquids

For compressible liquids, CoolProp can be used for the calculation of pressure dependent density.

Duplicate with linking to master component

Duplicated linked components remain identical even after modification of the master component.

Display of Reynolds numbers by different definitions

Display in the Main dimensions and Meanline design steps using different velocities and diameters, based on publications e.g. by Casey/ Robinson.

Export interface to CFturbo FEA

Interface to free-of-charge FEA software CFturbo FEA.

Export interface to HELYX

Interface to CFD software HELYX from the company ENGYS.
https://engys.com/products/helyx

Export interface to scFLOW

Interface to CFD software scFLOW from the company HEXAGON.
https://hexagon.com/products/cradle-cfd-scflow

Automatic SimScale start 

Exported files are transfered to SimScale, SimScale is opened in the browser and the project is loaded.

Direct support of Simerics TurboPost

CFturbo export to Simerics now contains pre-configured support of the TurboPost module.

Strike velocity at blade leading edge

Strike velocity is important for pumps for the evaluation of fish friendliness.

Update of efficiency curves from Hydraulic Institute (HI) for pumps

Curves are now based on the latest publication "Hydraulic Institute Program guideline for  Rotodynamic Pump Efficiency Prediction", HI 20.3-2020.

CFturbo FEA: Specification of periodic symmetry

For rotational symmetric geometry, it is sufficient to consider only a single segment, which enables faster simulation times.

CFturbo FEA: Harmonic Response Analysis 

Harmonic response analysis has been added as a further type of analysis and can be used to determine the structural response to a periodic load.

Impeller trimming

As part of "Finishing", completed impellers can be trimmed both radially or meridionally in order to adapt energy transmission and/ or flow rate.

Improved design of meridional solid, secondary flow path

Extensively modernized 2D diagram,
All control points available via batch mode

Duplication of components

Components can be duplicated within the current project,
Automatic adpation of z-position,
Multi-selection possible to duplicate complete stages

Reference designs within Cordier diagram

The position of reference designs in the Cordier diagram (Global Setup, impeller Main Dimensions) is displayed with additional markers.

Loss coefficients for volutes

Calculation of loss coefficients and "Sizing parameter" according to the theory of Aungier.

Customization of meridional flow scale

Min. and max. values of the scale can be determined not only automatically, but also manually.

Specification of relative deceleration for centrifugal compressors

The deceleration ratio of relative flow w2/w1 can be used for the calculation of the suction diameter dS of centrifugal compressors optionally.

Specification of discharge angle for centrifugal compressors

The angle of absolute flow at impeller outlet α2 can be used for the calculation of outlet width b2 optionally.

Improved SimScale export

Complete flow region as a single solid,
Automatic identification of rotating zone,
Specification of meshing and solver parameters

Segment of Solid and Secondary flow path

Rotational symmetric segment geometry is not only available for main flow path but for solid body and secondary flow path.

Barske impeller

Use of specific design method for pump impeller with very low specific speed by a new impeller type.

Flexible z-positioning of diffuser outlet

Arbitrary shift of diffuser outlet in z-direction.

Specify and display direction of rotation during Reverse Engineering

Rotational direction of impeller is illustrated by an arrow around the z-axis and can be toggled.

Support of hub extension during Reverse Engineering

Analogous to shroud, extensions can be defined at hub in order to ensure correct blade detection.

"Radial offset" for volute diffuser

Radial offset is specified in diffuser design step and is therefore available for all cutwater shapes (also "Fillet").

Linear blending of blade edge definitions from hub to shroud

For design modes "Ellipse" and "Linear" different geometries can be specified at hub and shroud, between which a linear blending is realized.

SimScale export interface

Geometry is exported in such a way that an immediate start of simulation in SimScale is possible.

Simplified blade shapes for impeller

The blade shapes "Log. Spiral + Straight 2D (axial)" and "Circular + Free-form 2D (axial)" available so far for radial diffusers only, can now also be used for centrifugal impellers.

Alternative definition of gas mixtures

As an alternative to the mass fractions, the composition can also be determined by the mole fractions.

Reverse engineering

Import of CAD models of impellers/stators and semi-automatic detection of sub-surfaces. The result is a parametric CFturbo model that can be modified in all details by the user.

New module: Kaplan Turbine

With Kaplan turbine runner design, axial water turbines can now be designed, incl. full 3D modeling and multiple interfaces to CAD and CFD.

Separate automatic calculation of blade angles

Automatic calculation can be activated separately for the blade angles at leading and trailing edge. This offers advantages for optimization in particular.

Improved generation of the blade segment

A continuous periodic surface is generated, which is more general and thus more stable. This is the precondition for the future segmentation of the secondary flow path.

Inlet and outlet volute casing within a project

Application is especially typical for axial turbines.

Availability of more informative values in dialogs and in the report

Values are displayed in collapsible areas in the dialogs. All informative values are also available in the project report.

Internal volutes with selectable opening direction

Internal volutes can optionally develop to the left (against z-direction) or to the right (in z-direction).

Improved calculation of the throat area between blades

In addition to the graphical representation, the numerical values for each span are displayed in tabular form.

Cloud-based licenses

In addition to local (nodelocked) licenses and floating licenses on the company's own license servers, licenses can also be provided via license servers in the cloud. This eliminates the need to operate your own license server.

CFturbo FEA: Multibody

Static analyses for entire assemblies consisting of several components possible

CFturbo FEA: Local mesh parameters

Local mesh parameters (element sizes) can be assigned for any number of surfaces.

New module: Francis turbine 
With Francis turbine runner design, radial/ mixed-flow water turbines can now be designed, including full 3D modeling and multiple interfaces to CAD and CFD.

New export structure for neutral 3D formats
The new structure additionally allows the export of "Finished solids" and the selection of the domain type, so that batch runs in the context of DoE or optimization are also possible with these interfaces.

New export interfaces
Ansys Design Modeler
OMNIS/Hexpress
GridPro
ZW3D

Separate blade angle distributions for leading and trailing edge
The separate distribution simplifies especially the optimization by reducing the parameters, so that computation time can be saved.
(applies analogously also to profile properties)

NPSHR prediction according to Lobanoff/ Ross
Complementary to the already existing 5 prediction models using the diagram published by Lobanoff/ Ross.

Software "CFturbo FEA"
The software allows the calculation of static stresses and deformations as well as modal analyses. "CFturbo FEA" is available free of charge to all active CFturbo users.

New module: Axial compressor
With axial compressors a gap in compressor design has been closed. Multi-stage axial compressors can now be designed, using the existing perfect or real gas models.

Main dimensions: Turbine initial design according to Balje's method
With the help of a special dynamic diagram (similar to Cordier) important quantities like efficiency and blade height can be derived. Flow angles can also be estimated, so that all velocity triangles and the complete thermodynamic state can be calculated.

Volute: Use of interactive design curves
Instead of the previously displayed frontal view of the spiral, the corresponding design curves are shown. These can result from the design specifications (Pfleiderer, Stepanoff), or allow interactive direct modification of the geometry.

Blade properties: Flexibilization of span positions
Until now, the blade design curves (spans) were distributed linearly between hub and shroud. Now, as an option, any adjustment of the distribution is possible, so that concentration near the outer, middle or inner span is available.

Mean lines: Using the blade chord length as a parameter for defining the β-distribution
When designing mean lines by specifying a distribution of blade angles β, it can be advantageous to plot it over the chord length. This possibility now exists as an alternative to the previous definitions of the x-axis.

Blade properties: New "Simple" airfoil design mode
The simple design mode is offered as an alternative to the existing modes. It allows the calculation of the chord length l and the stagger angle γ by specifying the solidity l/t using the shock-free inflow and the Euler equation.

3D model, export: Simultaneous design of real and virtual geometry
Previously, it was only possible to design either the real geometry (including secondary flow path) or the virtual geometry (simplified connection of neighboring components). This is now possible in parallel, so that both variants are available at the same time within a project and can be used in CFD workflows.

3D model: Detect all individual elements of imported geometries
The hierarchical representation of all imported individual elements (points, curves, surfaces) makes it easy to adjust their visibility or display properties. This facilitates geometry preparation for comparison of different models and reverse engineering.

Export: Display of all export settings directly in the export window
This makes checking or adjusting the export settings for the selected interface much easier and clearer. 

Composite mean lines, optional with β_B = const.
In a particular diameter range at leading and/ or trailing edges, composite mean lines can be designed to force constant regional blade angle β_B1 and/ or  β_B2.

Enhanced Cordier diagram
Switching between relative and absolute values is available. Absolute values in the Cordier diagram may be more intuitive for some CFturbo users when evaluating the calculated impeller's main dimensions.

Parasolid export with surface names included
The named surface export for Parasolid models is an essential improvement for many CAD/CAE software interfaces and a more streamlined workflow set-up. 

Sharp Cutwater for internal volutes
From now on, the very special internal volutes can be directly used for CFD-simulations since there is a watertight model available for export.

User specification of limit values for warnings
The user can specify his warning limits for some essential parameters in the preferences for his personal use.

Meridional preview for recent and sample projects
The CFturbo start screen shows a simplified meridional sketch of the recent and sample models, which should assist to re-open the right file for further project work.

Additional diagrams for CoolProp fluids
Diagrams for vapor pressure and specific heat are available for two-phase fluids selected from the CoolProp database.

Enhanced model finishing
The 3D-CAD-model finishing has been improved for fillets in general and for leading edges of bowl diffusers in particular to ensure high-quality export files.  

Inverse blade design
Additional method for blade design based on blade loading distribution. A 3D-freeform blade shape can be described by fewer parameters which could be useful especially for design exploration and optimization.

Blade angle distribution of mean lines
Flexible stacking position for β mean line design mode. By its definition the blade can be fixed on any position, which provides a much higher geometric flexibility for the blade design in the widely used meanline design mode.

Rake angle
Explicit definition of rake angle at leading and/or trailing edge. It's much easier and accurate compared to the previous version.

Enhanced design of multistage machines
New Stage-Designer to simplify the design of multi-stage machines with up to 3 stages. Together with the new coupling/ decoupling option for turbomachinery components the modeling flexibility has been significantly improved.

90° bends
Simplified generation of 90° bends (stators)

Decoupling of components 
Optional decoupling of components to improve flexibility

ANSYS Workbench
Further improvement of the workbench integration. The standardized ANSYS meshing system can be used, and an option for automated named selection of CFturbo components has been implemented.

SimericsMP
Definition of mesh refinement zones. Thus the highly automated meshing becomes more flexible, especially for critical areas with expected high flow field gradients.

More optimization parameters for volutes
Number of design parameters has been enlarged that can be directly addressed for automated design exploration and optimization.

Object selection in 3D models
Like in any other general purpose CAD-systems, a CFturbo user can select and configure geometrical 3D elements directly in the 3D model view.

Improved 3D preview
More comprehensive preview of overall geometry in design dialogs.

Generation of 3D PDF
For the visible 3D model to use in Adobe Acrobat. The export of 3D PDF files will raise the information level when sending information about a specific CFturbo model to colleagues and partners, without exchaning 3D-CAD-files.

Axial impeller positioning
Simplified axial positioning of impellers within meridional design.

NACA profiles
Absolute definition of trailing edge thickness of NACA profiles.

Non-effective blade for comparison
Display of blade angle curve for the case of const. swirl

ANSYS Workbench
Parametric, bi-directional integration into ANSYS Workbench

ANSYS TurboGrid
Alternative export format for ANSYS TurboGrid: *.inf

Improved solid based interfaces
ANSYS Spaceclaim, ANSA, Pointwise

Parasolid
Import and export interface to Parasolid

hyperMILL
Export interface to hyperMILL (CAM software from OPEN MIND)

Export parameters in batch mode
All export parameters are available in batch mode

Opening batch mode files
Interactive opening of batch mode files *.cft-batch in addition to project files *.cft

Advanced Drag & Drop
For batchmode files, imported 3D files, and reference projects

1D calculation blade-to-blade flow
Display of blade load during meanline design

Elliptical cross-sections for volutes
Available for all round shapes

Meridional preview
Realistic meridional preview of the impeller within casing

3D model tree
Intuitive model tree with icons

Filtering messages
Filter between Information / Warning / Errors

CoolProp fluid property database
Direct access to the CoolProp library for real gas properties