Analysis assistance device, analysis assistance system, analysis assistance method, and program

Abstract

This analysis assistance device comprises: a calculation target space acquisition unit that acquires the size of a calculation target space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; a block setting acquisition unit that acquires block settings including geometry settings, which include the position and size of a block representing an object in the calculation target space, and settings related to functions of the block affecting the physical phenomenon; and an analysis condition setting unit that, on the basis of the block settings, generates a model to be analyzed including the calculation target space and the block, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when the model is divided into a plurality of meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the block.

Description

Analysis Support Device, Analysis Support System, Analysis Support Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analysis support device, an analysis support system, an analysis support method, and a program. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-172516, filed in Japan on October 1, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, when performing simulations of heat, fluid, particles, etc. in a three-dimensional fluid space, it is necessary for the user to create a three-dimensional model of the fluid region existing around objects such as air conditioners, heat sources, and furniture geometrically arranged in the space. The three-dimensional model of the fluid region is often created by simulating the minimum necessary geometric shape based on, for example, two-dimensional drawing information. Further, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of using geometric shape data generated by 3D CAD as a model of the fluid region.

[0003] Further, after creating the model of the fluid region, it is necessary for the user to perform operations such as mesh-dividing the inside of the model and assigning boundary conditions such as wind speed specification, pressure specification, temperature specification, heat flux specification, adiabatic specification, and wall surface specification to each of the divided mesh boundary surfaces before executing the calculation.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-216660

[0005] Creating a fluid domain model is far removed from everyday actions like placing an object on the floor or installing an air conditioner on a wall near the ceiling. It requires specialized skills to think in terms of the fluid space rather than the objects placed in the space. If a fluid domain model is created that reproduces detailed gaps and the presence of small objects, it will require a great deal of time for subsequent mesh generation, and the enormous number of meshes will greatly increase the computation time. Therefore, it also requires specialized skills to determine the degree to which the fluid domain should be modeled in detail, taking into account the subsequent mesh generation work and computation execution time. For example, the extent to which the curved shape inherent in an object is reproduced in the fluid domain model depends on the intended use of the simulation. Complex geometric shapes that must be modeled when analyzing the internal flow of a machine are often unnecessary when modeling a human living space. Therefore, even if you try to create a fluid domain model of the space around an object by importing a 3D CAD model that accurately represents the geometric shape of an object, the 3D CAD model may have a shape that is unnecessarily complex for fluid calculations. Consequently, when creating a fluid domain model based on 3D CAD, a pre-processing step is required to simplify the 3D CAD geometry. Furthermore, regenerating the fluid domain model after moving the locations of objects placed in space is not easy.

[0006] Furthermore, the process of creating a mesh requires specialized skills to select a meshing method and adjust the meshing density to capture the physical phenomena occurring in the target fluid domain with the necessary resolution, while avoiding errors in the meshing algorithm, according to various applications such as scientific analysis, engineering design, and marketing.

[0007] Furthermore, users must assign fluid and heat transfer boundary conditions to each mesh, a time-consuming process. In other words, conventional fluid simulations had to be entrusted to engineers with specialized skills, and required considerable time to prepare for the analysis.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an analysis support device, an analysis support system, an analysis support method, and a program that enable easy analysis of physical phenomena in three-dimensional space without requiring specialized skills.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the analysis support device includes: a calculation target space acquisition unit that acquires the size of a calculation target space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; a block setting acquisition unit that acquires block settings including geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the calculation target space and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomenon; and an analysis condition setting unit that generates a model of the analysis target consisting of the calculation target space and the blocks based on the block settings, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the analysis support system comprises the above-described analysis support device, a terminal device that receives an operation by a user to specify the size of the computation target space and the block settings and transmits it to the analysis support device, and an analysis device that performs the analysis calculation of the physical phenomenon based on the model of the object to be analyzed generated by the analysis support device and the boundary conditions set by the analysis support device.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the analysis support method includes the steps of: obtaining the size of a computational space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; obtaining block settings including geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space, and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomenon; and generating a model of the analysis target consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block settings, and setting analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes, and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes the analysis support device to perform the following steps: obtain the size of a computational space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; obtain a block setting which includes a geometry setting including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space, and a setting relating to the function of the blocks that affects the physical phenomenon; and generate a model of the object to be analyzed consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block setting, and set analysis conditions which include the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0013] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space without requiring specialized skills.

[0014] This figure shows the overall configuration of the analysis system according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of a block according to the first embodiment. This flowchart shows an example of processing by the analysis support device according to the first embodiment. This figure shows an example of the calculation target space. This figure shows an example of a block placed in the calculation target space. This figure shows an example of the input screen for block geometry settings. This is the first figure showing an example of the input screen for block parameters. This is the second figure showing an example of the input screen for block parameters. This is the third figure showing an example of the input screen for block parameters. This is the fourth figure showing an example of the input screen for block parameters. This figure shows an example of a block according to the second embodiment. This figure shows an example of a block group according to the third embodiment. This figure shows an example of a block according to the fourth embodiment. This figure shows an example of the input screen for block geometry settings. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment.

[0015] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0016] (Overall Configuration of the Analysis System) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the analysis system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the analysis system 100 comprises an analysis support device 10 and an analysis device 20.

[0017] The analysis support device 10 is a device that assists users in easily performing the analysis of physical phenomena in a three-dimensional computational space. Physical phenomena include heat transfer, fluid transfer, particle transfer, light propagation, and sound propagation. The analysis support device 10 is connected to a terminal device 30 operated by the user via a network NW. The analysis support device 10 has functions such as a web server, and generates a web page to receive instructions from the user regarding the object to be analyzed and sends it to the terminal device 30, and also receives the user's instructions entered on the web page. The terminal device 30 can be any computer, such as a personal computer or tablet, as long as it can access the analysis web page provided by the analysis support device 10.

[0018] The analysis device 20 performs a simulation of a specified physical phenomenon based on instructions from the analysis support device 10.

[0019] (Functional Configuration of the Analysis Support Device) Next, the functional configuration of the analysis support device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The analysis support device 10 comprises a calculation target space acquisition unit 11, a block setting acquisition unit 12, an analysis condition setting unit 13, and an analysis result acquisition unit 14.

[0020] The calculation target space acquisition unit 11 acquires the size of the calculation target space in which the physical phenomenon simulation will be performed. The calculation target space may be either a closed space such as a room or an open space such as the outdoors, and can be arbitrarily specified by the user.

[0021] The block setting acquisition unit 12 acquires block settings that include geometry settings, including the position and size of the block representing the object in the calculation space, and settings related to the block's functions that affect its physical phenomena. The settings related to the block's functions include the block type that represents the block's functions. The settings related to the block's functions may also include physical parameters.

[0022] Objects are those that have functions that influence physical phenomena such as fluid, heat, particles, light, and sound in the computational space. Blocks are divided into block types according to the functions that objects possess. For example, as shown in Figure 2, block types include solid blocks, blow-out / suction blocks, heat-generating blocks, forced-air blocks, forced-heating blocks, porous body blocks, particle source blocks, light source blocks, and sound source blocks.

[0023] Solid blocks represent common objects such as columns and furniture that exist in space. Solid blocks are treated as objects through which fluid does not pass, and heat is not transferred from the solid block to the fluid. Therefore, users do not need to specify physical parameters for solid blocks. The interior of solid blocks is excluded from thermal and fluid analysis calculations.

[0024] Outlet and intake blocks represent outlets for fluids into or out of a space. When representing an object with an outlet function (e.g., an air conditioner outlet), the user can specify the flow velocity or pressure of the outlet, the temperature of the fluid being blown out, and the direction of the blown fluid. Similarly, when representing an object with an intake function (e.g., an air conditioner intake), the user can specify the flow velocity or pressure of the intake. The interior of outlet and intake blocks is excluded from thermal and fluid analysis calculations.

[0025] A heating element block represents an object maintained at a constant temperature or an object with a heat source (e.g., a hot plate). Users can specify the surface temperature, heat flux, heat transfer coefficient, and reference temperature of the heating element block, or the amount of heat generated inside the object. The interior of the heating element block is excluded from the fluid analysis calculation. Furthermore, while the interior of the block is excluded from the thermal analysis calculation when the surface temperature, heat flux, or heat transfer coefficient is specified, it is included in the thermal analysis calculation when the amount of heat generated inside the object is specified.

[0026] A forced-air block represents an object (such as a fan) that forcibly generates a flow in one direction. In other words, it represents a function that accelerates or decelerates the fluid passing through the block. Users can specify the fluid velocity after passing through the block (after acceleration or deceleration). The interior of a forced-air block is treated as a fluid space through which fluid can pass and is included in the calculations for thermal and fluid analysis.

[0027] A forced heating / cooling block represents an object (such as a hair dryer's heat source) that forcibly adds or removes heat from a fluid passing through it. Users can specify the temperature of the fluid after passing through the block, or the thermal force the fluid receives while passing through the block. The interior of a forced heating / cooling block is treated as a fluid space through which fluid can pass and is included in thermal and fluid analysis calculations.

[0028] A porous block represents an object (such as perforated metal) that allows fluid to pass through but provides significant resistance to the fluid. Users can specify the porosity of the porous block, which indicates the degree of resistance the fluid experiences when passing through the block. The interior of the porous block is treated as a fluid space through which fluid can pass and is the subject of thermal and fluid analysis calculations.

[0029] A particle source block represents the region where a particle is generated (for example, a window that takes in pollen from the outside). Users can specify the initial particle concentration within the block and the particle concentration generated per unit time. The interior of a particle source block is treated as a fluid space through which fluids can pass and is the subject of thermal and fluid analysis calculations.

[0030] A light source block represents a light source, such as illumination. Users can specify the direction and intensity of the light emitted from a light source block. Light source blocks are treated as non-existent outside of optical analysis.

[0031] A sound source block represents a sound source such as a speaker. Users can specify the direction, volume, and frequency distribution of the sound emitted from a sound source block. Sound source blocks are treated as non-existent outside of acoustic analysis.

[0032] The analysis condition setting unit 13 generates a model of the analysis target consisting of the calculation target space and blocks based on the block settings, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into multiple meshes and the boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0033] The analysis result acquisition unit 14 inputs the simulation model, in which blocks are placed within the calculation target space, and the set analysis conditions to the analysis device 20, and has it perform the analysis. The analysis result acquisition unit 14 also acquires the analysis results from the analysis device 20 and outputs them to the terminal device 30.

[0034] (Functional Configuration of the Analysis Device) Next, the functional configuration of the analysis device 20 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The analysis device 20 comprises a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis unit 21, an optical analysis unit 22, and an acoustic analysis unit 23.

[0035] The CFD analysis unit 21 performs analytical calculations of at least one of the transfers of heat and fluid based on the simulation model and analysis conditions input from the analysis support device 10. The CFD analysis unit 21 may be existing CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis software.

[0036] The optical analysis unit 22 performs an analysis calculation of light propagation in the target space based on the simulation model and analysis conditions input from the analysis support device 10. The optical analysis unit 22 may be existing optical analysis software.

[0037] The acoustic analysis unit 23 performs an analysis calculation of sound propagation in the target space based on the simulation model and analysis conditions input from the analysis support device 10. The acoustic analysis unit 23 may be existing acoustic analysis software.

[0038] Although Figure 1 shows an example in which the CFD analysis unit 21, optical analysis unit 22, and acoustic analysis unit 23 are provided in an analysis device 20 different from the analysis support device 10, the system is not limited to this. In other embodiments, these analysis units may be provided in the analysis support device 10.

[0039] (Example of processing by the analysis support device) Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the analysis support device according to the first embodiment. The processing flow of the analysis support device 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0040] The user operates the terminal device 30 to access a web page provided by the analysis support device 10. The analysis support device 10 then creates a web page (input screen) for inputting various analysis conditions and sends it to the terminal device 30. On this web page, the user performs instructions to the analysis support device 10. These instructions are transmitted from the terminal device 30 to the analysis support device 10.

[0041] First, the calculation target space acquisition unit 11 of the analysis support device 10 acquires the size and boundary conditions of the calculation target space (step S101).

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of a calculation target space. As shown in Figure 4, the calculation target space SP has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The user specifies the size of the calculation target space by entering numerical values ​​using the keyboard on the input screen displayed on the terminal device 30. The size of the calculation target space includes width [m], depth [m], and height [m]. Then, the calculation target space acquisition unit 11 draws the calculation target space SP with a size corresponding to the value specified by the user on the input screen. Alternatively, the user may specify the size of the calculation target space SP by dragging with the mouse or pinching in / pinch out with the touch panel. In this case, the calculation target space acquisition unit 11 obtains the size value from the drawn calculation target space SP and displays it on the input screen. The user also specifies boundary conditions for each of the six faces of the calculation target space SP, indicating whether it is an open boundary or a closed boundary. The calculation target space acquisition unit 11 acquires and records the size and boundary conditions of the calculation target space SP specified by the user.

[0043] Next, the block setting acquisition unit 12 of the analysis support device 10 acquires the position and size (geometry settings) of blocks representing objects existing in the calculation target space SP, as well as the block type and physical parameters (settings related to the function of the block) (step S102).

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a block arranged in a calculation target space. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting the geometry of the block. As shown in FIG. 5, the block B has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Also, when the user performs an operation to add a block within the calculation target space SP, a block setting screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. When the item of "Geometries" is selected on the block setting screen, a geometry setting screen is displayed. On the geometry setting screen, the user can input numerical values with the keyboard to specify the position and size of the block. The position of the block includes, for example, the distance [m] in the width direction, the distance [m] in the depth direction, and the distance [m] in the height direction from the origin of the calculation target space SP. The size of the block includes the width [m], the depth [m], and the height [m]. Also, on the input screen for geometry setting, it may be possible to accept a rotation operation of the block. Then, the block setting acquisition unit 12 draws the block B with the position, size, and rotation angle according to the values specified by the user on the input screen. Note that the user may specify the position and rotation angle of the block B by a drag operation of the mouse or touch panel, or may specify the size of the block B by a drag operation of the mouse or a pinch-in / pinch-out operation of the touch panel. In this case, the block setting acquisition unit 12 acquires the values of the geometry setting from the drawn block B and displays them on the input screen for the geometry setting. Note that the minimum size of the block B is set in advance, and a plurality of the minimum blocks B may be combined to represent an object with a complex shape.

[0045] FIGS. 7 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of input screens for block parameters. Note that FIGS. 7 and 8 show input examples of parameters for a blow / suction block, and FIGS. 9 and 10 show input examples of parameters for a heating element block.

[0046] For example, suppose a user places block B, which represents the air intake of an air conditioner, in the calculation space SP. As shown in Figure 7, selecting the Fluid item on the block settings screen displays the Fluid settings screen. When the user specifies the physical parameters of block B on the Fluid settings screen, the block type of block B becomes "Inlet / Outlet Block". On the Fluid settings screen, the user specifies which of the six outer surfaces of block B (faces facing +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z) has an inlet or outlet. In Figure 7, by entering information indicating Valid in the +X field and further selecting Inlet, it is specified that the inlet exists on the face facing +X. The user also specifies the pressure or velocity of the intake. If the user selects "Pressure" in Inlet Condition, an input form for pressure (Pressure [PaA]) is displayed, and if the user selects "Velocity" in Inlet Condition, an input form for velocity (Velocity [m / s]) is displayed. Figure 7 shows an example where "pressure" is selected. After selecting either pressure or flow velocity, the user enters a numerical value for the pressure or flow velocity into the input form.

[0047] For example, suppose the user places block B, which represents the air outlet of an air conditioner, in the calculation space SP. As shown in Figure 8, the user enters information indicating "Valid" in the +X column and then selects "Outlet," specifying that the outlet exists on the surface facing +X. The user also specifies the pressure or velocity of the discharge. If the user selects "Pressure" in Outlet Condition, an input form for pressure (Pressure [PaA]) is displayed, and if the user selects "Velocity" in Outlet Condition, an input form for velocity (Velocity [m / s]) is displayed. Figure 8 shows an example of when "Velocity" is selected. After selecting pressure or velocity, the user enters the numerical value of pressure or velocity into the input form. The user also specifies the direction (Angle [deg]) and temperature (Temperature [°C]) of the discharged fluid. In the example in Figure 8, it is specified that the fluid is discharged in the Y direction at an angle of 0 degrees and a temperature of 25°C.

[0048] Also, for example, assume that the user places the block B representing the heat source in the calculation target space SP. As shown in FIG. 9, when the user selects the "Thermal" item on the block setting screen, a thermal setting screen is displayed. When the user specifies the physical parameters of block B on the thermal setting screen, the block type of this block B becomes "heating element block". The user specifies the type of physical parameter in Thermal Condition. The physical parameter can be specified as any one of, for example, adiabatic, wall temperature, heat flux, atmosphere temperature, and heat source. When adiabatic is specified in Thermal Condition, no further specification of physical parameters is required. When wall temperature is specified in Thermal Condition, an input form for wall temperature [°C] is displayed as shown in FIG. 9. When heat flux is specified in Thermal Condition, an input form for heat flux [W / m2] is displayed as shown in FIG. 10. When atmosphere temperature is specified in Thermal Condition, input forms for outside air temperature [°C] and heat transfer coefficient [W / m2-K] are displayed. When heat source is specified in Thermal Condition, an input form for the amount of heat per unit time of the heat source [W] is displayed. After the user selects Thermal Condition, the user inputs and specifies the parameters specified in the input form.

[0049] Note that, similar to the "blow / suction block" and "heating element block", for other block types, items corresponding to the block setting screen are also prepared, and by selecting each item, the physical parameters of each block type illustrated in FIG. 2 can be input. The block setting acquisition unit 12 acquires and records the position and size (geometry setting) of each block B specified by the user, and the block type and physical parameters (settings related to the function of the block).

[0050] The user may specify the position and size of block B after setting the block type and physical parameters. The block setting acquisition unit 12 may acquire and record the block settings each time the user specifies or changes the settings for each block B, or it may acquire and record the block settings for multiple blocks B at once when the user completes the setting completion operation.

[0051] Next, the analysis condition setting unit 13 generates a model to be analyzed based on the size of the calculation target space SP specified by the user, the geometry settings of each block B, and the settings related to the function of the blocks, and sets the analysis conditions for the model (step S103).

[0052] First, the analysis condition setting unit 13 creates a model of the object to be analyzed within the calculation target space SP based on the size and boundary conditions of the calculation target space SP, and the geometry settings and block type of each block B. Of the six outer surfaces of the calculation target space SP, the analysis condition setting unit 13 automatically expands the calculation target area toward the normal direction of the surface for the surface assigned to the open boundary. This reduces the adverse effect of the calculation boundary on the reproducibility of physical phenomena. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, the analysis condition setting unit 13 sets whether the interior of the block should be included in the calculation target for thermal and fluid analysis, depending on the block type. The analysis condition setting unit 13 creates a model of the object to be analyzed within the calculation target space SP, excluding the areas inside the blocks that are not included in the calculation.

[0053] Furthermore, the analysis condition setting unit 13 sets analysis conditions including mesh size, calculation time, solution method, and boundary conditions of the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B.

[0054] The analysis condition setting unit 13 automatically selects the optimal mesh size based on, for example, the size and arrangement of block B.

[0055] The analysis condition setting unit 13 sets a solution for performing an analysis calculation of fluid movement only when, for example, only blocks B that affect fluid movement (solid blocks, blow-out / suction blocks, forced-air blocks, porous blocks, particle source blocks) are placed in the calculation target space SP. Furthermore, the analysis condition setting unit 13 sets a solution for performing an analysis calculation of both heat and fluid movement when blocks B that affect fluid movement and blocks B that affect heat movement are mixed together in the calculation target space SP. These solution methods are pre-configured by the CFD analysis unit 21 of the analysis device 20.

[0056] The analysis condition setting unit 13 sets the boundary conditions of the mesh in contact with the outer surface of each block B based on the block type and physical parameters of each block B. For example, the boundary conditions are set as follows according to each block type.

[0057] If the block type is a solid block, boundary conditions representing a non-slip, insulated wall surface are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of this block B.

[0058] If the block type is an outlet / intake block, boundary conditions representing no slippage and an insulated wall surface are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B where no outlet or intake is set, similar to solid blocks. On the other hand, boundary conditions corresponding to the specified physical parameters (pressure or flow velocity, outlet direction, temperature, etc.) are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface where an outlet or intake is set.

[0059] If the block type is a heat-generating block, the mesh in contact with the outer surface of this block B is set with fluid boundary conditions representing no slippage and heat transfer boundary conditions according to physical parameters (surface temperature, heat flux, heat transfer coefficient, etc.). In addition, if the amount of heat generated inside the object is specified by the physical parameters, the unit heat generation amount is set in the heat generation term of the heat advection-diffusion equation.

[0060] If the block type is a forced-air block, boundary conditions representing a non-slip, adiabatic wall surface are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B where no fluid inlets or outlets are set, similar to a solid block. On the other hand, boundary conditions are set for the mesh located inside block B to accelerate or decelerate the fluid velocity up to a specified speed.

[0061] If the block type is a forced-heating block, boundary conditions representing a non-slip, adiabatic wall surface are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B where no fluid inlets or outlets are defined, similar to a solid block. On the other hand, a specified temperature is forcibly set for the mesh located inside block B, or a specified amount of heat is added as a heat source term in the heat transfer equation as the heat force received.

[0062] If the block type is a porous block, boundary conditions representing a non-slip, adiabatic wall surface are set for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B where no fluid inlets or outlets are defined, similar to solid blocks. On the other hand, a resistance force corresponding to the specified porosity is added to the mesh located inside block B as an external fluid resistance term.

[0063] If the block type is a particle source block, the specified initial particle concentration and the particle concentration generated per unit time are used as the initial value and generation term, respectively, of the particle advection-diffusion equation for the mesh located inside this block B.

[0064] If the block type is a light source block, this block is treated as non-existent in thermal, fluid, and acoustic analyses. Furthermore, the analysis conditions input to the optical analysis unit 22 are set according to the specified direction and intensity of the emitted light.

[0065] If the block type is a light source block, this block is treated as non-existent in thermal, fluid, and optical analyses. In addition, the analysis conditions input to the acoustic analysis unit 23 are set according to the specified direction, magnitude, and frequency distribution of the sound.

[0066] Next, the analysis result acquisition unit 14 receives the user's calculation start operation and causes the analysis device 20 to perform the calculation (step S104). For example, when the analysis result acquisition unit 14 performs an analysis of the movement of at least one of heat and fluid, it inputs the model and analysis conditions set by the analysis condition setting unit 13 to the CFD analysis unit 21 and causes it to perform a CFD analysis calculation. If the calculation target space SP includes a light source block, the analysis result acquisition unit 14 inputs the model and analysis conditions set by the analysis condition setting unit 13 to the optical analysis unit 22 and causes it to perform an optical analysis calculation. Also, if the calculation target space SP includes a sound source block, the analysis result acquisition unit 14 inputs the model and analysis conditions set by the analysis condition setting unit 13 to the acoustic analysis unit 23 and causes it to perform an acoustic analysis calculation.

[0067] When each part of the analysis device 20 completes its analysis calculation, the analysis result acquisition unit 14 acquires the analysis results and outputs them to the terminal device 30 (step S105). The user refers to the analysis results displayed on the terminal device 30 and creates, for example, the layout of air conditioners in the calculation target space. Alternatively, the user may return to step S102 and add, delete, or change the settings of block B, and perform the analysis again under different conditions.

[0068] Furthermore, the analysis support device 10 may receive user instructions and record web pages containing information on the intermediate progress (setting stage) where settings for at least some of the calculation target space SP and blocks have been entered, as well as web pages containing analysis results, and issue URLs of the recorded web pages to the user. By sending these web page URLs to other users, the user can, for example, share the analysis results with multiple users. Also, for example, an inexperienced user can have an experienced user view the intermediate progress web pages and receive advice. In addition, the intermediate progress web pages can be shared with other users, and different users can take over and execute the work. In other words, analysis processing, which was previously a specialized task performed by individuals, can be made into a task that can be performed collaboratively by multiple users.

[0069] (Effects) As described above, the analysis support device 10 according to this embodiment includes: a calculation target space acquisition unit 11 that acquires the size of the calculation target space SP in which physical phenomena are simulated; a block setting acquisition unit 12 that acquires a block setting that includes geometry settings including the position and size of block B representing an object in the calculation target space SP, and settings related to the function of block B that affects physical phenomena; and an analysis condition setting unit 13 that generates a model of the analysis target consisting of the calculation target space SP and block B based on the block setting, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes and the boundary conditions of each mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B.

[0070] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can automatically generate a 3D model of the object to be analyzed based on the block B placed by the user in the calculation target space SP. In other words, unlike conventional analysis techniques, the user does not need specialized skills to think in terms of fluid space, but can easily obtain a 3D model capable of analyzing heat and fluids simply by placing the block B with the same intuitive feeling as installing air conditioners or furniture, just like everyday experience. Furthermore, the analysis support device 10 can automatically set the mesh size of the model to be analyzed and the boundary conditions of the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B based on the block settings of block B specified by the user. As a result, the user only needs to specify the position and size of the object in space and what function it has (for example, not allowing fluid to pass through), without having to be aware of the mesh or boundary conditions, so that physical phenomena in 3D space can be easily analyzed without requiring specialized skills.

[0071] Furthermore, block B has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0072] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can abstract the model of the object to be analyzed, thereby reducing the computation time of the analysis device 20. The shape of objects placed in space is generally rectangular, and even if they are rounded, the curvature has little effect on the overall flow. Therefore, modeling curved surfaces as flatter surfaces has little impact on the accuracy of the analysis, and it is reasonable to model the object to be analyzed by combining rectangular blocks B. In particular, compared to conventional technology that uses models generated from 3D CAD that represent each object in space with realistic and complex shapes (such as curved surfaces), the computation time of the analysis device 20 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since preprocessing to simplify the geometric shape of the 3D CAD, as in conventional technology, is not required, the user's burden can be reduced accordingly.

[0073] Furthermore, the block settings include block types that represent functions that affect the movement of at least one of heat, fluid, and particles. The analysis condition setting unit 13 determines whether or not to include the interior of the block in the calculation based on the block type and generates the model to be analyzed.

[0074] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can generate the model to be analyzed simply by having the user specify the block type of each block B. In other words, even users without specialized skills can automatically obtain the model to be analyzed by performing simple operations.

[0075] The block configuration further includes physical parameters that represent the influence on the movement of at least one of the following: heat, fluid, and particles. The analysis condition setting unit 13 sets boundary conditions for the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B based on the block type and parameters.

[0076] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can set the boundary conditions of the mesh around block B simply by having the user specify physical parameters that can be easily understood from the function of the object. In other words, even users without specialized skills can easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space by performing simple operations.

[0077] Furthermore, if block B is a block type through which fluid can pass, the analysis condition setting unit 13 sets boundary conditions according to physical parameters for the mesh located inside block B.

[0078] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can set the boundary conditions of the mesh inside block B simply by having the user specify physical parameters that can be easily understood from the function of the object. In other words, even users without specialized skills can easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space by performing simple operations.

[0079] The block setting includes a block type representing a light source or sound source, and physical parameters including the direction and intensity of the light or sound output. The analysis condition setting unit 13 further sets the analysis conditions for optical analysis or acoustic analysis according to the physical parameters when block B is a block type representing a light source or sound source.

[0080] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can perform not only thermal and fluid analysis in the computational space SP, but also analysis of light or sound propagation.

[0081] Furthermore, the analysis support device 10 accepts the size of the computation target space SP and the block settings of block B from the user via a web page.

[0082] This eliminates the need for users to install analysis software on the terminal device 30. In other words, users can analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space regardless of the specifications of the terminal device 30. Furthermore, the analysis support device 10 records web pages of the progress and analysis results and issues URLs to the user, making it easy to share this analysis-related information with other users.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. Components common to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which block B has only a single function. In contrast, in this embodiment, block B may have multiple functions.

[0084] Figure 11 shows an example of a block according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the block type may further include a forced-air heating / cooling block that has the functions of both a forced-air block and a forced-air heating / cooling block. The forced-air heating / cooling block is, for example, a hair dryer.

[0085] Users can specify the fluid velocity after passing through a forced-air heating / cooling block (after acceleration or deceleration), as well as the fluid temperature after passing through the block or the thermal force the fluid receives during passage. The interior of the forced-air heating / cooling block is treated as a fluid space through which fluid can pass and is included in the calculations for thermal and fluid analysis.

[0086] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can represent an object with multiple functions using a single block B. As a result, the user does not need to combine multiple blocks B to represent a single object, thus reducing the burden on the user in arranging and setting up blocks B.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 12. Components common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0088] Figure 12 shows an example of a block group according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 shows an example in which a cassette air conditioner installed on the ceiling of a room is represented as a block group GP consisting of multiple blocks B. For example, this block group GP representing the cassette air conditioner includes multiple individual blocks B1 and multiple outlet / intake blocks B2 and B3. Physical parameters for the outlet are set for outlets in outlet / intake block B2, and physical parameters for the intake are set for outlet / intake block B3.

[0089] The block setting acquisition unit 12 receives an operation from the user to group multiple blocks B1, B2, and B3, and sets and records a block group GP that includes the specified blocks B1, B2, and B3. Furthermore, if the user changes the position or size of the block group GP in the calculation target space SP, the block setting acquisition unit 12 automatically changes the position and size of all blocks included in the block group GP according to the amount of change.

[0090] In this way, when a user represents a single object using multiple blocks B, they do not need to change the position or size of each individual block B; instead, they can change the position and size of all blocks B included in the block group GP at once. In other words, the user's workload can be reduced. Furthermore, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that a single object is represented by a collection of blocks B.

[0091] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 13 to 14. Components common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0092] Figure 13 shows an example of a block according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the display of block B and block group GP may be changed to a detailed 3D CG model. Figure 13 shows an example in which the display of block group GP is 3D CG.

[0093] Figure 14 shows an example of the input screen for block geometry settings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, settings related to the appearance of block B are added to the geometry settings screen. Settings related to the appearance of block B include, for example, the image (Texture) to be displayed on the surface of block B, the surface color (Color), and the opacity of block B (Opacity). Furthermore, if the Texture, etc. of any one block B included in the block group GP is changed, the block setting acquisition unit 12 may automatically change the other blocks B in the same block group GP to the same content. The analysis result acquisition unit 14 draws the block or block group based on the appearance settings of block B or block group GP in the analysis results acquired from the analysis device 20. This makes it possible to provide the user with analysis results drawn with a detailed model as illustrated in Figure 13.

[0094] In this embodiment, only the display of block B or block group GP is rendered as 3D CG, and when generating the model to be analyzed, each block B is calculated as a rectangular parallelepiped. Therefore, it does not affect the model generation or analysis calculation. On the other hand, visually, block B or block group GP is represented in detailed 3D CG, which enhances the ability to understand the situation when viewing the analysis results. For example, when calculating the flow around a person, instead of displaying a rectangular person model made up of combined blocks B, displaying a person model represented by curved surfaces that closely resemble the actual shape of a person makes it easier to understand that the flow around the person is being simulated. Therefore, when using the analysis results for sales promotion or other purposes aimed at customers, the results can be presented in a way that is easier for customers to understand.

[0095] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0096] <Computer Configuration> Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 900 comprises a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary storage 903, and interface 904. The analysis support device 10 described above is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each processing unit described above is stored in the auxiliary storage 903 in the form of a program. The processor 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage 903, expands it into the main memory 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The processor 901 also allocates memory area in the main memory 902 to be used for the above processing according to the program.

[0097] The program may be for implementing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 900. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may be equipped with a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0098] Examples of auxiliary storage devices 903 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or it may be an external medium (external storage device 910) connected to the computer 900 via an interface 904 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the distribution may expand the program into the main memory 902 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0099] <Note> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0100] (1) According to the first embodiment, the analysis support device includes: a calculation target space acquisition unit that acquires the size of a calculation target space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; a block setting acquisition unit that acquires block settings including geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the calculation target space and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomenon; and an analysis condition setting unit that generates a model of the analysis target consisting of the calculation target space and the blocks based on the block settings, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0101] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can automatically generate a 3D model of the object to be analyzed based on the block B placed by the user in the calculation target space SP. In other words, unlike conventional analysis techniques, the user does not need specialized skills to think in terms of fluid space, but can easily obtain a 3D model capable of analyzing heat and fluids simply by placing the block B with the same intuitive feeling as installing air conditioners or furniture, just like everyday experience. Furthermore, the analysis support device 10 can automatically set the mesh size of the model to be analyzed and the boundary conditions of the mesh in contact with the outer surface of block B based on the block settings of block B specified by the user. As a result, the user only needs to specify the position and size of the object in space and what function it has (for example, not allowing fluid to pass through), without having to be aware of the mesh or boundary conditions, so that physical phenomena in 3D space can be easily analyzed without requiring specialized skills.

[0102] (2) According to the second embodiment, in the analysis support device according to the first embodiment, the block has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0103] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can abstract the model of the object to be analyzed, thereby reducing the computation time of the analysis device 20. The shape of objects placed in space is generally rectangular, and even if they are rounded, the curvature has little effect on the overall flow. Therefore, modeling curved surfaces as flatter surfaces has little impact on the accuracy of the analysis, and it is reasonable to model the object to be analyzed by combining rectangular blocks B. In particular, compared to conventional technology that uses models generated from 3D CAD that represent each object in space with realistic and complex shapes (such as curved surfaces), the computation time of the analysis device 20 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since preprocessing to simplify the geometric shape of the 3D CAD, as in conventional technology, is not required, the user's burden can be reduced accordingly.

[0104] (3) According to the third embodiment, in the analysis support device according to the first or second embodiment, the block setting includes a block type that represents a function that affects the movement of at least one of heat, fluid, and particles, and the analysis condition setting unit determines whether or not to include the inside of the block as the calculation target based on the block type and generates the model of the analysis target.

[0105] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can generate the model to be analyzed simply by having the user specify the block type of each block B. In other words, even users without specialized skills can automatically obtain the model to be analyzed by performing simple operations.

[0106] (4) According to the fourth aspect, in the analysis support apparatus according to the third aspect, the block setting further includes physical parameters that represent the influence on the movement of at least one of heat, fluid, and particles, and the analysis condition setting unit sets boundary conditions of the mesh in contact with the outer surface of the block based on the block type and the physical parameters.

[0107] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can set the boundary conditions of the mesh around block B simply by having the user specify physical parameters that can be easily understood from the function of the object. In other words, even users without specialized skills can easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space by performing simple operations.

[0108] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the analysis support device according to the fourth embodiment, the analysis condition setting unit sets boundary conditions corresponding to the physical parameters for the mesh located inside the block when the block is of a block type through which fluid can pass.

[0109] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can set the boundary conditions of the mesh inside block B simply by having the user specify physical parameters that can be easily understood from the function of the object. In other words, even users without specialized skills can easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space by performing simple operations.

[0110] (6) According to the sixth embodiment, in an analysis support device relating to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the block setting includes a block type representing a light source or sound source, and physical parameters including the direction and intensity of light or sound output, and the analysis condition setting unit further sets analysis conditions for optical analysis or acoustic analysis according to the physical parameters when the block is a block type representing a light source or sound source.

[0111] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can perform not only thermal and fluid analysis in the computational space SP, but also analysis of light or sound propagation.

[0112] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in an analysis support device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the block includes a block having a single function and a block having multiple functions.

[0113] In this way, the analysis support device 10 can represent both objects with a single function and objects with multiple functions using a single block B. As a result, for example, in the case of objects with multiple functions, the user does not need to combine multiple blocks B to represent a single object, thus reducing the burden on the user in arranging and setting up blocks B.

[0114] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in an analysis support device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the block setting acquisition unit sets a block group including a plurality of blocks, and when the position of the block group is changed, it updates the geometry setting by changing the position of each block included in the block group.

[0115] In this way, when a user represents a single object using multiple blocks B, they do not need to change the position or size of each individual block B; instead, they can change the position and size of all blocks B included in the block group GP at once. In other words, the user's workload can be reduced. Furthermore, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that a single object is represented by a collection of blocks B.

[0116] (9) According to the ninth aspect, an analysis support device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further comprises an analysis result acquisition unit that inputs the model to be analyzed, the mesh size, and the analysis conditions to a CFD analysis unit that simulates the transfer of heat and fluid, causes it to perform analysis calculations, and acquires the analysis results, the block setting acquisition unit further acquires settings relating to the appearance of the block, and the analysis result acquisition unit draws the block in the analysis results based on the settings relating to the appearance of the block.

[0117] By doing so, the analysis support device can render Block B in a realistic state that closely resembles the actual object, thereby improving the situational awareness when viewing the analysis results.

[0118] (10) According to the tenth embodiment, the analysis system comprises an analysis support device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, a terminal device that receives an operation by a user to specify the size of the calculation target space and the block settings and transmits it to the analysis support device, and an analysis device that performs an analysis calculation of the physical phenomenon based on the model of the object to be analyzed generated by the analysis support device and the boundary conditions set by the analysis support device.

[0119] (11) According to the eleventh aspect, the analysis support method includes the steps of: obtaining the size of a computational space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; obtaining block settings including geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space, and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomenon; and generating a model of the analysis target consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block settings, and setting analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes, and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0120] (12) According to the twelfth aspect, the program causes the analysis support device to perform the following steps: obtain the size of a computational space in which a physical phenomenon is simulated; obtain a block setting which includes geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomenon; and generate a model of the object to be analyzed consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block setting, and set analysis conditions which include the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

[0121] According to the above-described aspects of this disclosure, it is possible to easily analyze physical phenomena in three-dimensional space without requiring specialized skills.

[0122] 10 Analysis support device 11 Calculation target space acquisition unit 12 Block setting acquisition unit 13 Analysis condition setting unit 14 Analysis result acquisition unit 20 Analysis device 21 CFD analysis unit 22 Optical analysis unit 23 Acoustic analysis unit 30 Terminal device 100 Analysis system

Claims

1. An analysis support device comprising: a calculation target space acquisition unit that acquires the size of a calculation target space for simulating physical phenomena; a block setting acquisition unit that acquires a block setting that includes geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the calculation target space, and settings related to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomena; and an analysis condition setting unit that generates a model of the analysis target consisting of the calculation target space and the blocks based on the block setting, and sets analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes, and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

2. The analysis support device according to claim 1, wherein the block has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

3. The analysis support device according to claim 1, wherein the block setting includes a block type that represents a function that affects the movement of at least one of heat, fluid, and particles, and the analysis condition setting unit determines whether or not to include the interior of the block as the target of calculation based on the block type, and generates a model of the target of analysis.

4. The analysis support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the block setting further includes physical parameters representing the influence on the movement of at least one of heat, fluid, and particles, and the analysis condition setting unit sets boundary conditions for a mesh in contact with the outer surface of the block based on the block type and the physical parameters.

5. The analysis support device according to claim 4, wherein the analysis condition setting unit sets boundary conditions according to the physical parameters for a mesh located inside the block when the block is of a block type through which fluid can pass.

6. The analysis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the block setting includes a block type representing a light source or sound source, and physical parameters including the direction and intensity of light or sound output, and the analysis condition setting unit further sets analysis conditions for optical analysis or acoustic analysis according to the physical parameters when the block is a block type representing a light source or sound source.

7. The analysis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the block comprises a block having a single function and a block having multiple functions.

8. The analysis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the block setting acquisition unit sets a block group including a plurality of the blocks, and updates the geometry setting by changing the position of each block included in the block group when the position of the block group is changed.

9. An analysis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an analysis result acquisition unit that inputs the model to be analyzed, mesh size, and analysis conditions to a CFD analysis unit that simulates heat and fluid transfer, performs analysis calculations, and acquires analysis results; the block setting acquisition unit further acquires settings relating to the appearance of the block; and the analysis result acquisition unit draws the block in the analysis results based on the settings relating to the appearance of the block.

10. An analysis system comprising: an analysis support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a terminal device that receives an operation by a user to specify the size of the calculation target space and the block settings and transmits it to the analysis support device; and an analysis device that performs an analysis calculation of the physical phenomenon based on the model of the object to be analyzed generated by the analysis support device and the boundary conditions set by the analysis support device.

11. An analysis support method comprising: a step of obtaining the size of a computational space for simulating physical phenomena; a step of obtaining a block setting that includes geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space, and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomena; and a step of generating a model of the object to be analyzed consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block setting, and setting analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into a plurality of meshes, and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

12. A program that causes an analysis support device to perform the following steps: obtaining the size of a computational space for simulating physical phenomena; obtaining a block setting including geometry settings including the position and size of blocks representing objects in the computational space, and settings relating to the functions of the blocks that affect the physical phenomena; and generating a model of the object to be analyzed consisting of the computational space and the blocks based on the block setting, and setting analysis conditions including the mesh size when dividing the model into multiple meshes and boundary conditions of the meshes in contact with the outer surface of the blocks.

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