AFT Arrow & AFT xStream New Features Coming Soon

We recently discussed the new features coming out in AFT Fathom 13 and AFT Impulse 10. Now let's talk about the compressible gas and steam side of the product launches. 

You may be more familiar with AFT Fathom, as it is our flagship incompressible steady state analysis product. AFT Arrow is its counterpart for compressible steady state flow. 

We like to say that AFT Arrow has a "secret sauce" that makes it the best compressible flow analysis tool in the world. Yes, you read that right. In engineering, we are always careful not to boast about "the best", the "only tool", etc. but we put a stake in the ground with Arrow, because it IS the best. We used the power of Arrow to build AFT xStream, which has proven invaluable to confidently identify gas and steam transients. Like AFT Impulse, it is a heavy product that takes some time to learn and master. But also like Impulse, AFT designed xStream to give everyday engineers the power to analyze these systems.   

Let's dive into what is coming out in the next month with AFT Arrow 10 and AFT xStream 3.  

Just a reminder, all of the updated products have their own dedicated Documentation websites that will provide full details on the new features as well as access to the example models.

Top 3 Features you will see in BOTH products: 

1. Workspace Layers

The most significant change is the introduction of Workspace Layers. Layers allow for greater control and creativity of the Workspace's visual aspects. This will replace the Visual Report window that could only display input or output data individually. With Layers, both input and output can be displayed simultaneously. Color maps based on pipe dimensions or flow properties are still retained but instead of being scenario-specific, they are globally defined and then applied to the desired scenario. The dynamic combination of unique Layers offers an incredibly flexible framework, allowing you to display precisely what you desire on the Workspace. You can easily toggle the visibility of individual layers on or off, and the state of all Layers can be saved to a Layer Preset for future use.

2. The Design Alert Manager Has Been Redesigned

The Design Alert Manager has been reorganized to improve the process of creating and applying user-defined alerts. Now, you can effortlessly create or edit a Design Alert with just a few clicks. As you modify settings, you will immediately see the criteria you are applying, ensuring a transparent experience. We have also reduced the amount of text on the form, while ensuring grammatical clarity. These improvements aim to make it easier for you to understand the limits you are placing on your design.

3. The Valve Properties Window Has Been Redesigned

The new Valve Window greatly enhances clarity and usability when it comes to modeling valves. The window now clearly distinguishes between different data sources such as User Specified, Characteristic, or Handbook, making it easier to understand the available options. The form has been streamlined to focus on the most essential data, providing a clear understanding of what is required to define a valve accurately.

Valve Characteristics, represented by an Open Percent vs. Flow Coefficient table, have been brought front and center. While using a Characteristic is optional, it is highly recommended as it ensures that the valve behavior aligns with real-world scenarios, particularly for valve transients. We have simplified the process of selecting a pre-defined Characteristic Source, which helps you obtain more accurate values in case manufacturer data is unavailable. Additionally, we encourage you to explore the new Transient Behavior graph, which offers a deeper understanding of the modeled behavior.

Specific to AFT Arrow 10

Compressor Map

Specific to AFT xStream 3

Reciprocating Compressor

Model single or double-acting multi-cylinder reciprocating compressors, accounting fully for all fundamental thermodynamics.

Completely new in this version of AFT xStream is a fully transient reciprocating compressor model that considers the thermodynamic effects of gas being compressed or expanded in a closed chamber. Combined with the fundamental gas dynamics considered by the AFT xStream transient solver, this offers an exceptionally powerful simulation tool.

The reciprocating compressor model offers the flexibility to specify single or double-acting compressors, with various arrangements including opposed, inline, or V configurations, accommodating up to six cylinders. The model incorporates a physical representation of the cylinder geometry and valve opening crank angles.

In combination with the PFA module improvements in this version, this enables engineers to analyze the pulsation effects of reciprocating compressor systems with greater precision and confidence.

Transient Checkpoints

Extend the length of an existing transient run without the need to re-run the entire simulation, or stop and continue a run from other points in the simulation.

Transient Checkpoints enable you to save the state of a transient simulation at any given point and resume it later from that exact point.

This functionality proves particularly useful in scenarios where you need to pause a simulation temporarily to provide access to another user or when unexpected interruptions, such as system updates, occur during the simulation.

This feature also allows for the extension of a transient run. If you have ever experienced the frustration of waiting for results only to realize that you should have run the simulation for a slightly longer duration, this feature provides a solution. Instead of rerunning the entire simulation, you can simply extend an existing run by leveraging the automatically created Transient Checkpoints.

Retain Partial Transient Output

If the simulation is stopped - by the user or an error - show the transient results up to that point.

Transient Output is now saved and viewable regardless of what caused the simulation to stop. This means that you can access and analyze the results up to the point where the simulation was interrupted, just like regular results.

This eliminates a lot of guesswork involved in interpreting system behavior when it deviates from expectations, particularly when troubleshooting simulation errors. For instance, if a simulation encounters difficulties in converging on a compressor solution due to factors like reverse flow or unexpectedly low temperatures, the availability of partial output enables you to quickly identify these situations. You can then take appropriate corrective measures or provide our Support Team with detailed information to expedite problem resolution.