Simcenter Amesim Co-Simulation

Simcenter STAR-CCM+ allows for two-way co-simulation with Simcenter Amesim, which is used for modeling dynamic systems.

In a co-simulation between Simcenter STAR-CCM+ and Simcenter Amesim, the two codes exchange data interactively while the simulations are running. For example, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ can calculate the fluid force acting on the surface of a check valve, while Simcenter Amesim solves for the displacement of the valve in response to the fluid loads.

For more information on Simcenter Amesim, visit the official website. For a list of all supported versions of Simcenter Amesim, refer to the section External Packages Support of the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Release Notes.

Co-Simulation Interface and Exchanged Fields

Simcenter Amesim communicates with Simcenter STAR-CCM+ through TCP/IP sockets using a TCP element (the dynamic_cosim_socket element). A TCP element contains input and output ports, which exchange data with Simcenter STAR-CCM+.

The ports on the left side of the element send data to Simcenter STAR-CCM+, whereas the ports on the right side of the element receive data from Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Simcenter STAR-CCM+ applies the fields imported from Simcenter Amesim to the specified coupled boundaries. Simcenter STAR-CCM+ must export single-value scalars to Simcenter Amesim.

Simcenter STAR-CCM+ allows you to specify the exchanged fields using either:

• Predefined fields—Simcenter STAR-CCM+ and Simcenter Amesim can exchange mass flow and pressure fields through co-simulation zones. With this method, you can define boundary conditions using either a managed or unmanaged approach. In the managed approach, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ automatically defines the boundary conditions at the coupled boundaries, based on the specified imported fields. In the unmanaged approach, you set the boundary conditions manually using the field functions that store the imported data. Simcenter STAR-CCM+ automatically calculates the mass flow, or pressure, at the coupled boundaries and sends single-value fields to Simcenter Amesim.
• Auxiliary fields—Simcenter STAR-CCM+ and Simcenter Amesim can exchange any single-value scalar field functions. With this method, you set all boundary conditions manually using the field functions that store the imported data. When you specify the exported fields, you are responsible for converting any 3D fields to single-value fields, for example, preparing force, mass flow, or surface average reports.