Actuator disks provide a simple way of modeling rotating parts in steady flow simulations. They are applicable to use cases involving helicopters, fans and propellers.
To create a new disk:
Click the + icon on the right of the Geometry panel.
Select Disk. This will create a new disk entity within the Surfaces section of the Geometry panel, add a visual aid showing the location and orientation of the disk within the 3D Viewer, and open the actuator disk settings in the properties panel.
Set the Inner Radius and Outer Radius of the disk.
Specify its Center in Cartesian coordinates and its orientation by setting a Normal direction either via a series of rotation Angles (counter-clockwise about the global x, global y, and then global z axes) or a Vector.
Next, set the physical model of the disk.
Learn more about disk models in Physical Models.
Note: If you place the actuator disk such that part of its surface is outside the flow domain (intersecting with a boundary surface), the thrust of the surface inside the domain will be adjusted so as to match the total thrust you specify for the disk.
The following display quantities are available for actuator disks. In a simulation tab, use the dropdown menu at the top of the 3D Viewer to select from:
Local Angle of Attack (degrees)
Sectional Drag Coefficient
Sectional Lift Coefficient
Thrust-per-unit-area (N/m2)
Torque-per-unit-area (N・m/m2)