Initialization issue
 

Hello,

I have came across one initialization issue in Fluent. My problem is explained as following:

I am running one simple 2D transient case. At first i initialized the domain from inlet and solved for five time steps. Solution was converged at each time step. At the end of five time steps i got one particular solution. (1)

Next time, i solved the same case (without a single change) by initializing it from 'All zones'. This time also, i solved it for five time steps and each time step was converged. When i compared the solution from this case to the solution of previous case (1), i was astonished to see that these two solutions were totally different. I don't know which one to trust.

I was under the impression that, even if u initilize from different domain, you should get fixed solution at the end of certain time step, if u achieve convergence at each time step.

Can anyone explain me why this is happening?

Thanks,
Nikhil

Hi, probably five time steps is not enough to reach a steady solution. What you want to do is monitor a certain flow variable (perhaps the drag coefficient) versus flowtime. When your monitor reaches a constant value, this usually indicates you have reached a steady solution.

Good luck!

Hi Jack,

I know that i am not running the case till steady state. I am interested in what happens after 'x' time instant and my point is after 'x' time instant different initialization provides different results. I am trying to understand why it is so.
Also, till i reach 'x' time instant i make sure that i achieve convergence at each time step.

Hope this clarifies my question.

Nikhil

Hi,

In most cases you can only expect the steady state to be the same. The path along which you get there generally depends on the initial condition.

Think of the temperature distribution of a simple rod, with temp 1 at the left hand side and temp 2 on the right hand side. Now either initialize the complete rod with temp 1 or temp 2. Surely the paths will differ but the final solution will be the same.

Convergence of each time step doesn't mean the solution is converged in time, only that you are progressing accurately in time.

Good luck!