[aerohead]

This solver :
* uses Very Large Eddy Simulations
* it does not perform Large Eddy Simulations
* it does not perform Small Eddy Simulation
* it requires either a CAD-CAM data cloud, or 3D-scan
* it cannot solve 'holes' ( partial cooling systems ), cabin ventilation, lug nuts, windshield wipers, must be 'airtight'
* requiring CAD clean-up
* it requires a meshing program to generate the mesh
* it requires a turbulence model
* it requires post processing after simulation to create coefficients and flow data
* it's scan may be required to be reduced in resolution in order to 'quicken' computer time, using something like PowerDELTA.
* scan malformations must be 'fixed' with something like ANSA
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* Accuracy between (LBM) results and wind tunnel have been reported at a 13% deviation.
* (LBM) has been used for 'qualitative' 'trend' investigations, with no pretense of achieving 'accurate' numerical data.
* (LBM) cannot predict flow separation locations
* (LBM) cannot predict flow reattachment locations
* (LBM) cannot accurately predict an accurate wake geometry
* (LBM) cannot accurately predict wake size
* (LBM) 'reruns' can produce variability in results in spite of zero changes introduced into the 'test' parameters.
* (LBM) is capable of registering zero trends at all for some modification
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NOTE:
* the image of the Space Shuttle is associated with aeronautical CFD, with which attached flow is presumed, and aeronautical engineers are not concerned with 'solving' for it.
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CAUTION:
In automotive work, CFD is required to 'solve' the entire flow domain, not only the near-field around the vehicle, but also the far-field up to 2-meters away, in all directions, except underneath. This is where the computing penalty rears it's ugly head.
As of 2014, Dr. Theodore Wolf, of Mercedes-Benz reported that their ( industry-grade) CFD required 48-hours for a single iteration, whereas, they could get 25-measurements/day in their wind tunnel ( 50-results in 48-hours ).
Yes, Moore's Law marches on, with computers growing more powerful all the time.
Perhaps a member, or guest will step forwards with updated information about the current, complete, 'total cost' of University-grade CFD.
Dassault Corp. refused to communicate with me about Ecomodder.com crowd-sourcing their POWERFLOW software, as used by Tesla Motors.