# General Workflow in Flow360 GUI

*This document outlines the systematic approach to setting up and running CFD simulations using the Flow360 graphical user interface.*

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## Workbench view

![workbench](./Figures/workbench.png)

For workbench layout, refer to this [page](./03.workbench-layout/README.md).

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## Primary Workflow Steps

| *Step* | *Description* | *Location* |
|--------|---------------|------------|
| **Setup** | Configure simulation parameters | Simulation tab |
| **Verify** | Verify setup using inspector | Bottom status bar |
| **Run** | Initiate simulation run | Top-right corner |
| **Monitor** | Track simulation progress | Analysis tab |
| **Visualize** | View results | Central viewer region |

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## Detailed Descriptions

### Setup

*Configure simulation parameters in a top-to-bottom sequence through the left sidebar.*

- **Required Steps:**
  - Meshing configuration (if starting from geometry)
  - Reference geometry definition
  - Operating conditions
  - Models selection
  - Time stepping parameters
  - Output settings
>**Note:** Parameters are organized in collapsible sections for clarity

For detailed documentation of each setup panel, see the [Simulation Setup](../02.simulation-setup/README.md) guide.

### Verify

*Verify simulation setup completeness using the inspector tool.*

- **Location:** Bottom status bar
- **Success Indicator:** Inspector showing 0 errors
>**Note:** Address any warnings or errors before proceeding

### Run

*Initiate the simulation process including surface and volume meshing.*

- **Location:** Top-right corner "Run" button
- **Scope:** Complete workflow from geometry to solution
>**Note:** Automated meshing is included when starting from geometry

#### Run Preview Dialog

When you click **Run**, a **Preview** dialog appears before the simulation is submitted. This dialog lets you review the simulation configuration and choose how to pay for the compute resources.

<div align="center">

![Run Submission Dialog – Run with Options](./Figures/account-settings-run-dialog.png)

</div>

The **Run with** section offers two compute options:

| *Option* | *Description* |
|----------|---------------|
| **FlexCredits** | Pay-as-you-go using your FlexCredit balance. The run is dispatched immediately to the standard queue. |
| **Virtual GPU** | Use your reserved vGPU daily allocation. Shows availability status (**Available** / **Unavailable**) and the remaining GPU-hours for today (e.g., *Remaining: 96.00 / 96 GPU-hours today*). |

When **Virtual GPU** is selected, a **Priority** field (1–10) appears. Higher priority jobs are scheduled before lower-priority ones when vGPU slots are limited.

> **Note:** The Virtual GPU option is only available if your account includes a vGPU license. If no vGPU allocation is active, only the FlexCredits option is shown.

For full details on managing your vGPU queue, daily allocation, and job priorities, see the [Virtual GPU Scheduler](../06.account-settings/02.virtual-gpu-scheduler.md) page.

### Monitor

*Track simulation progress and analyze numerical results.*

- **Access:** "Analysis" tab adjacent to "Simulation"
- **Features:** Real-time convergence monitoring
>**Note:** Multiple visualization options available

For detailed documentation of the analysis tools, see the [Analysis](../03.analysis/README.md) guide — including [Convergence](../03.analysis/02.convergence.md) plots and [Monitor](../03.analysis/03.monitor.md) outputs.

### Visualize

*Inspect mesh and results using the central viewer.*

- **Controls:** Viewer bar for mode selection
- **Options:** Geometry, mesh, and solution visualization
>**Note:** Interactive 3D viewport with customizable display settings

For detailed documentation of visualization options, see the [Visualization](../03.analysis/04.visualization.md) page.

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<details>
<summary><h3 style="display:inline-block"> 💡 Tips</h3></summary>

- Complete setup sections sequentially from top to bottom
- Use the Entities bar on the right for detailed model inspection
- Save work periodically during setup
- Verify all required fields before execution
- Monitor convergence through the Analysis tab

</details>

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<details>
<summary><h3 style="display:inline-block"> ❓ Frequently Asked Questions</h3></summary>

- **What happens if the inspector shows errors?**
  > The simulation cannot be executed until all errors are resolved. Address each error in the setup.

- **Can I modify parameters during simulation?**
  > Most parameters cannot be modified during active simulation. Stop the simulation to make changes.

- **How do I track simulation progress?**
  > Use the Analysis tab to monitor convergence and the bottom status bar for overall progress.

- **Where can I find detailed mesh statistics?**
  > Access mesh details through the Entities browser and mesh visualization options in the central viewer.

</details>