Work is underway on the next version of PyroSim — PyroSim 2012. The release date is tentatively scheduled for some time in March 2012. The major noteworthy features are:

• Support for FDS 6
• Improved tools for drawing and editing geometry
• Support for HVAC network modeling in FDS
• Improved CAD file import, including DWG format files
• Automatic partitioning of meshes for parallel FDS runs
• Standalone FDS run manager

We will also be incorporating bug fixes and improving some existing features as we work on the new version.  If you have any suggestions or feature requests, please send them to support@thunderheadeng.com.  We have also started a site where users can add ideas and vote on other suggestions — http://thunderheadeng.ideascale.com.  This site is just getting started, so please stop by and add your suggestions.

This screencast covers a method that can be used to build a 3D model in Google SketchUp, and then export the geometry for use in PyroSim using a SketchUp DXF/STL Export Plug-in.

Links:
SketchUp – http://sketchup.google.com/
SketchUp DXF/STL Plugin – http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl

This is a short demonstration of using a thin obstruction with ‘fan’ surface properties applied to each side to pull gasses from one ‘room’ to another.

Video:

File Links:

PyroSim File for Fan Demonstration | FDS Input File for Fan Demonstration