Fast 3D Flow Solver
Rapid CFD computation embedded directly in system-level models.
3D flow insight, 1D simulation speed.
Fast, Easy, Accurate 3D Flow
What is GT-Auto-3DFlow?
GT-Auto-3DFlow is a fast and accurate 3D flow solution developed specifically for system simulation engineers without 3D CFD experience. This empowers GT-SUITE users to increase simulation accuracy when 3D effects are important, including airflow over heat exchangers or characterizing complex components.
GT-Auto-3DFlow, which is tightly integrated into GT-SUITE, is the result of a collaborative development between GT and Simerics. Features like automated meshing offer remarkable ease of use, creating a seamless workflow that exists entirely within GT-SUITE.
REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON OTHERS
Faster Design Cycles
System simulation engineers can enhance the accuracy of their models by leveraging 3D flow simulations. However, communication delays and sometimes differing priorities between 1D and 3D teams can lead to inefficiencies and extend development cycles. By empowering 1D simulation engineers to conduct their own 3D flow simulations, the design process can be streamlined, allowing them to take control of their project timelines and drive innovation more effectively.
INTUITIVE WORKFLOW
Ease of Use
The entire workflow exists in GT-SUITE, beginning with an easy-to-use guided multi-step wizard in a 3D environment. No previous CFD experience is required, and within a few minutes, the model is ready to run. Meshing is fully automated and results are post-processed directly in GT-POST.
NEXT GEN UNDERHOOD SIMULATION
A3D Underhod
With GT-SUITE v2026, a next-generation Underhood solution has been introduced based on Auto3DFlow (A3D). This new capability combines a significantly improved flow solution with the modeling of detailed CAD-based underhood geometry.
In addition, the computational domain can be extended beyond the underhood space to include the entire vehicle. Thanks to its rapid flow-solving approach, these simulations can be completed in minutes. The solution is built on the seamless integration of GT-SUITE’s trusted thermal management capabilities with a 3D flow solver based on Simerics CFD. The main differences between COOL3D and the A3D Underhood solution are summarized in the table below.
CAPABILITIES
A3D Underhood Benefits
- Models full CAD underhood geometry directly, with no simplification
- Whole‑vehicle airflow context to setup accurate underhood inflow/outflow representation
- Accurate module flow prediction, including recirculation effects
- Tailored engineering outputs of flows, heat rates, and HX temperatures (air side and coolant side)
- Fast and robust 3D flow setup using optimized defaults
- Rapid design iterations without delays and dependency on separate CFD teams (saves weeks of time)
- Seamless reuse of COOL3D models with minimal adaptation effort
- Offers excellent trade-off between accuracy and speed
USE CASE EXAMPLES
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Airflow with Heat Exchangers & Fans
The integration and mapping of the 3D airflow solution and 2D heat exchangers is handled automatically by Auto-3DFlow enabling accurate non-uniform distribution of velocity and heat transfer. The solution is highly flexible and allows a single model to vary heat exchanger sizing and positioning, number of fans and their location, active grill shutter angles, and more. These changes can be driven by the built-in design optimizer as well. Behind the scenes, the automated meshing handles all these geometry changes. Heat exchanger and fan performance is calculated by the advanced physical models available in GT-SUITE for decades.
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Flow & Thermal Characterization
The fast and accurate GT-Auto-3DFlow steady-state solver predicts pressure losses, flow distribution, and heat transfer coefficients for complex geometries. These results are easily transferred to system simulation models to improve accuracy where 3D flow effects are important, while maintaining fast simulation speeds.
Advanced Features
Simulation Capabilities
Seamless GT-SUITE Workflow
Fully integrated setup for system engineers, no CFD expertise needed.
Integrated Post-Processing
Built-in 3D visualization and results analysis.
Automated Meshing & Setup
Mesh generation and solver settings configured automatically.
Design Optimization
Vary heat exchanger size, position, and fan count within one model.
2D/3D Heat Exchanger Mapping
Couples 3D flow with scalable, physics-based 2D heat exchanger models.
Parallel Multi-Core Solving
Faster runtimes through multi-core simulation.
Distributed Computing Support
Enables large-scale DOE and optimization studies.
System-Level and 3D Coupling
Combine detailed 3D flow analysis with system-level models to evaluate component performance within the complete system.
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