Running Simulations |
 
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Running Simulations |
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When you are satisfied with the model and environmental inputs, you can proceed to running a simulation. Select the simulation of interest in the Project View, right-click and select 'Run Simulation'. The software then uses all the data which you have defined in Flexcom Wind and uses it to create a Flexcom model in standard Keyword File format. It then passes this input file to the engine to perform the finite element computations. Assuming the simulation has completed successfully, Simulation Results will be available.
While the simulation is in progress, you will notice a green progress bar to indicate the simulation progress.
Progress Bar
In case you are wondering what is happening in the background; for each simulation, Flexcom Wind actually creates a series of analysis files which run consecutively.
•Firstly an Initial Static Analysis is performed in order to determine the static equilibrium configuration of the system subject to gravity and buoyancy loads only. In order to aid solution convergence, this simulation is normally performed in two stages, with the floater being temporarily restrained using additional boundary conditions, which are subsequently removed in a Restart Static Analysis. Floating systems can be sensitive to minor changes in displacement, so this second stage is typically performed as a Quasi-Static Analysis.
•One further restart analysis may also be performed if static Current Loads on the floater are being modelled.
•Finally the ambient environmental loads due to wind and waves are simulated in a Time Domain Analysis.
Existing Flexcom users will be familiar with the concept of an Analysis Job, which typically contains a series of individual analysis files which run consecutively. The procedure is very similar here, except that Flexcom Wind has automatically set up the analysis job for increased convenience to the user.