Workflow Management

Workflow Management#

Effective workflow management is crucial for productive CFD campaigns with Flow360. This section covers tools and techniques for organizing simulations, automating repetitive tasks, and managing the large volumes of data produced during CFD studies. Learn how to leverage Flow360’s workflow capabilities to streamline your simulation processes and maximize productivity.

🔄 Batch Processing

Learn techniques for automating and parallelizing multiple simulations to efficiently explore design spaces and parameter variations.

Batch Processing
💾 Data Management

Master techniques for efficient data handling including listing and querying resources, working with shared accounts, and transferring simulation results between local and cloud environments.

Data Management
📋 Project Management

Master the Project interface to organize simulations into logical groups, track progress, and maintain contextual information.

Project Management

Key Workflow Management Concepts#

  • Project-based Organization: Structure simulations into logical projects with consistent naming conventions and hierarchical organization to maintain clarity across complex studies

  • Version Control: Track and manage changes to simulation inputs, configurations, and scripts with proper versioning to ensure reproducibility

  • Result Tracking: Maintain comprehensive records of simulation outputs, convergence history, and performance metrics for traceability

  • Comparative Analysis: Develop frameworks for systematically comparing results across multiple design variants and simulation approaches

  • Process Automation: Create reusable workflows that minimize manual intervention and standardize simulation processes

  • Data Pipeline Integration: Connect simulation workflows with pre/post-processing tools, CAD systems, and optimization frameworks

  • Provenance Tracking: Maintain comprehensive records of simulation lineage, including data sources, mesh generation parameters, and processing steps

  • Collaboration Frameworks: Establish protocols for sharing models, results, and analysis among team members and stakeholders

  • Quality Assurance: Implement verification and validation processes to ensure simulation accuracy and reliability

  • Knowledge Management: Capture best practices, lessons learned, and institutional knowledge in documented workflows and templates

Benefits of Workflow Management#

  • Increased Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline simulation setup

  • Better Traceability: Track the evolution of designs and maintain complete simulation history

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate teamwork through standardized project structures

  • Reduced Errors: Implement consistent processes and validation checks

  • Faster Design Cycles: Parallelize simulations and automate analysis tasks

  • Knowledge Preservation: Capture institutional knowledge in reusable templates and processes

Best Practices#

Project Organization: * Group related simulations by project or study * Use consistent naming conventions * Document simulation objectives and assumptions * Maintain references to external requirements or specifications

Automation Strategies: * Create reusable templates for common simulation types * Implement parameter sweeps for sensitivity studies * Develop validation and verification protocols * Automate post-processing for consistent analysis

Data Management: * Establish data retention policies * Implement backup and archiving procedures * Create metadata standards for easy search and retrieval * Differentiate between primary results and derived data

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