STAR-CCM+ User Guide What Are the Important Concepts? 24
What Are the Important Concepts?
This section presents the key concepts you come across when using STAR-CCM+.
It begins with an introduction to the client-server architecture, which is the foundation onwhich the software is built. Further concepts are:Contents:
What is the Client-Server Architecture?What Is the Client Workspace?What Are Simulations?What Are 3D-CAD Models?What Are Parts?What Are Continua?What Are Models?What Are Regions?What Are Boundaries?What Are Interfaces?What Are Solvers?What Are Reports, Monitors and Plots?What Are Scenes?What is the Client-Server Architecture?
STAR-CCM+ uses a client-server architecture in which:??
The simulation objects are created and solved on the server.The workspace views these objects through the client.
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STAR-CCM+ User Guide What Is the Client Workspace? 25
The server can run in serial or parallel, with or without any client attached. You can launch aclient workspace initially, and then use the new simulation option from within the workspace tolaunch a server. It is also possible to start a server process from the command line, and connecta client workspace to it later.
What Is the Client Workspace?
The client workspace is the graphical user interface that appears when STAR-CCM+ islaunched interactively.
The key elements of this interface are shown in the clickable image below. You can jump to thedocumentation for different elements by clicking them.
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1.Using the Explorer Pane2.Using the Graphics Window3.Using the Properties Window4.Using the Output Window5.Using the Toolbars6.Using the MenusWhat Are Simulations?
A simulation contains the solution state and data for a STAR-CCM+ analysis.
It exists on a server, and can only be accessed through a client connected to the server. When aclient connects to a server, the object tree for the simulation on the server is shown in its ownexplorer pane in the client workspace. If the client is connected to multiple servers, the
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STAR-CCM+ User Guide What Are 3D-CAD Models? 27
simulation object tree for each server is shown in its own explorer pane within the clientworkspace.
The root object within each simulation object tree is known as the simulation node. This nodehas its own properties and pop-up menu.
Simulation Properties
NameCollaboration
The name of the simulation (read-only). To change the nameof the simulation, use the save as action.
Controls whether other users may connect to this simulation’sserver.ActivatedDeactivated
Allows other users to connect.Prevents other users fromconnecting.
What Are 3D-CAD Models?
STAR-CCM+ contains its own feature-based parametric solid modeler that allows you tocreate geometry for your analysis.
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This integrated solid modeler is called the 3D-CAD module, and solid models generated fromit are called 3D-CAD models. The screenshot below shows a single 3D-CAD model objectwithin the simulation object tree.
Complete documentation on using the 3D-CAD solid modeler can be found in Using 3D-CAD.
What Are Parts?
There are three different types of part that can be used in a STAR-CCM+ simulation:?
Geometry partsThese parts represent the model geometry, and are contained within the Geometry > Partsmanager node of the object tree.
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