Learning Forum

[bzalla10]

Hi,

I recently downloaded ANSYS AIM Student to do CFD calculations for a research paper I am working on. The problem I am having is that the software freezes long before I even get to the actual calculation part of the simulation. The usual try happens like this:

• I start the application and select "Fluid Flow"


• This loads correctly, and I upload my geometry


• EITHER - It freezes right here OR it loads the geometry


• IF It loads the geometry, it does not get past this point. The instant I try to edit or continue on with the Physics Task, it freezes. Only once have I even reached the part where you pick the fluid material.

This is obviously extremely frustrating, as I have the CAD all ready to go. SpaceClaim works perfectly fine. 

Details about the freezing:

• There are no spikes in CPU, Disk, or GPU when the freezing occurs.


• The application takes up around 1.5 Gb of memory during the whole process, which should be fine, considering my computer has 12 Gb of RAM (see below for Technical specs).


• By freezing, I mean clicking buttons has no effect, and the instant I minimize the page and try to maximize it again, it leaves me with a blank white screen.


• Nothing really changes after restarting the computer and/or application.


• The only thing that has let me get further consistently was saving one of the frozen projects and reloading it; when I did this, I was able to load the geometry correctly, which is a triumph for me at this point.

Again, I have never actually reached the calculation portion of the simulation, which should be the real test of my computer.

Technical Specs:

• HP Envy x360 Convertible


• Windows 10 Home 64-bit


• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6500U CPU @ 2.50GHz 2 Cores, 4 Logical Processors (I believe this is the 6th gen model)


• 12GB RAM with 4GB Samsung 1600MHz and 8GB SK Hynix 1600MHz


• System Board: 8114 06.14


• System BIOS: F.17


• Intel(R) HD Graphics 520


• 1 TB HDD with 780 GB left

Graphics drivers updated; Windows 10 updated. I am running ANSYS 19.1.

I realize my computer is technically not a Workstation, but I think at the very least it should be able to reach the actual simulation portion without hanging up, especially since there's no resource use spike while the freeze is occurring. 

The only other thing that I can think of that might be the problem is my computer battery; my battery doesn't work (most likely a short on the motherboard somewhere, since battery replacement didn't help), so I am currently (and constantly) plugged in at 0%. Perhaps this is having some effect. The motherboard short doesn't seem to be affecting anything else.

Please leave whatever thoughts you have below!

[peteroznewman]

 It's not the battery.

[bzalla10]

My computer just charged to 100% (a very rare occurrence), and I have gotten further than I ever have before into the simulation; I was able to actually edit the Physics parameters and navigate through the Physics task without a hangup.

[tsiriaks]

Hello,

To eliminate some systems-related issue out of the equation, what if you don't import the geometry but define (create) a new/simple one, do you still experience the freezing issue ?

Thank you,

Win

[Gary Stofan]

We have had issues in the past with Intel(R) HD Graphics 520. The graphics does not have adequate support for the OpenGL used in AIM.

 

[bzalla10]

@tsiriaks When I defined a new very simple rectangular geometry, the initial flow setup was pretty smooth, which was good; however, after I finished making the geometry and closed the model, it froze.

 

[bzalla10]

@Gary_S Is there anything I can do to fix that, like download the OpenGL library myself? Or does that mean I will need to use AIM on a different computer entirely if I don't get a new graphics card?

[tsiriaks]

Hi bzalla10 ,

Thank you for the info.

I agree with Gary that this could be an issue with graphics card. The following is the listed of tested/supported graphics card for ANSYS v19.1

https://www.ansys.com/-/media/ansys/corporate/files/pdf/solutions/it-professionals/platform-support/ansys-191-graphics-cards-tested.pdf?la=en

You don't need to totally change the machine, but you may need to add a new/dedicated graphics card onto the board (if applicable). Unfortunately OpenGL library doesn't help because it's a matter of hardware capability.

Thank you,

Win