The latest software version

FLACS 24.2, the latest version, introduces significant upgrades in deluge modelling, automatic gridding and the functionality to import CAD files in the Navisworks format. Additionally, users will benefit from numerous improvements across the simulators, FGC, CASD, FlowVis and RunManager. A summary of the main developments are provided below.

Deluge modelling for fire radiation shielding

Simulate the impact of water deluge systems on heat transfer during fires with improved accuracy. This feature enhances fire consequence modelling and supports more reliable safety assessments, providing a practical tool for evaluating fire mitigation strategies.

Automatic gridding powered by genetic algorithms

The new automatic gridding feature simplifies grid creation for complex projects. Using genetic algorithms, it reduces workload, speeds up simulation setup, and ensures consistency across multiple scenarios—eliminating concerns about grid variations in similar projects.

Streamlined Navisworks import

Easily integrate detailed Navisworks models directly into FLACS without requiring manual conversions or adjustments. This feature minimises delays and simplifies workflows, especially for users relying on Navisworks as their primary format.

What else is new in this release?

FLACS 24.2

• Updated license manager software (now using version 10.11).

• Upgrade from Python 3.7 to 3.9 and newer versions of most bundled Python packages.

• Updates to Python API including new jet calculations API. See the Python API reference in the latest version of the FLACS user manual for details.

Simulators

• New deluge model for radiation shielding.

• Updated thermal and transport properties of hydrocarbons using data from DIPPR.

• Added fuel selection for burning rate calculation of pool fires (scenario menu POOL FUEL).

• Added burning rate output to CGNS file and removed .BURNT output file.

• Improved water spray for explosions (automatic calculation of F1 and F2).

• Improved uncoupled pool fire burn rate calculations.

• Increased resolution of thermal radiation at monitor points (solid angle discretized in 416 directions instead of 192).

• Increased maximum allowed number of leaks from 50 to 512.

• Fixed missing 3d output data at specific output time after resuming from dump.

• Fixed a bug in the calculation of aggregated (min,max,impulse) 3d outputs.

• Fixed possible crash when CGNS file was temporarily inaccessible.

• Fixed a bug related to hinged rigid panels exceeding the maximum rotation angle.

• Other minor improvements and bug fixes.

FGC

• Fixed a bug causing incorrect porosity for some terrains.

• Fixed a bug causing incorrect porosity in some cases for rotated cylinders.

• Fixed a bug causing some mesh objects set as visual only to create blockage.

CASD

• Automatic gridding.

• Reduced memory usage for large geometries.

• Option to compress geometry files.

• File locking when editing geometry files.

• Improved performance in 3D view with MDI enabled by default.

• CAD import now supports Navisworks format.

• New option to split imported CAD file into multiple external files.

• Added CAD import option to import only as FLACS model.

• Leak wizard calculations available from Python API.

• Improved GUI for importing terrains.

• Fixed a bug in importing some terrain files.

• Fixed a possible crash when importing certain FBX files.

• Fixed a bug causing incorrect nozzle diameter when using leak wizard to create an area leak based on release rate.

• Improved compatibility when saving for older version of FLACS.

Flowvis

• Axis cross visible by default in 3D plot.

• Fixed streamlines not working properly in 3D plot.

• Fixed an issue with changing unit for dimensionless variables.

• Fixed discrepancy in color with legend vs slice plane in 3D plot.

RunManager

• Fixed a bug causing settings for FGC to not be properly saved.