fluidsim▌
K-Dense Inc./fluidsim · updated May 19, 2026
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Framework for computational fluid dynamics simulations using Python, supporting various solvers and high-performance computing.
| name | fluidsim |
| description | Framework for computational fluid dynamics simulations using Python. Use when running fluid dynamics simulations including Navier-Stokes equations (2D/3D), shallow water equations, stratified flows, or when analyzing turbulence, vortex dynamics, or geophysical flows. Provides pseudospectral methods with FFT, HPC support, and comprehensive output analysis. |
| license | CeCILL FREE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT |
| metadata | skill-author: K-Dense Inc. |
FluidSim
Overview
FluidSim is an object-oriented Python framework for high-performance computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. It provides solvers for periodic-domain equations using pseudospectral methods with FFT, delivering performance comparable to Fortran/C++ while maintaining Python's ease of use.
Key strengths:
- Multiple solvers: 2D/3D Navier-Stokes, shallow water, stratified flows
- High performance: Pythran/Transonic compilation, MPI parallelization
- Complete workflow: Parameter configuration, simulation execution, output analysis
- Interactive analysis: Python-based post-processing and visualization
Core Capabilities
1. Installation and Setup
Install fluidsim using uv with appropriate feature flags:
# Basic installation
uv pip install fluidsim
# With FFT support (required for most solvers)
uv pip install "fluidsim[fft]"
# With MPI for parallel computing
uv pip install "fluidsim[fft,mpi]"
Set environment variables for output directories (optional):
export FLUIDSIM_PATH=/path/to/simulation/outputs
export FLUIDDYN_PATH_SCRATCH=/path/to/working/directory
No API keys or authentication required.
See references/installation.md for complete installation instructions and environment configuration.
2. Running Simulations
Standard workflow consists of five steps:
Step 1: Import solver
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.solver import Simul
Step 2: Create and configure parameters
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = 256
params.oper.Lx = params.oper.Ly = 2 * 3.14159
params.nu_2 = 1e-3
params.time_stepping.t_end = 10.0
params.init_fields.type = "noise"
Step 3: Instantiate simulation
sim = Simul(params)
Step 4: Execute
sim.time_stepping.start()
Step 5: Analyze results
sim.output.phys_fields.plot("vorticity")
sim.output.spatial_means.plot()
See references/simulation_workflow.md for complete examples, restarting simulations, and cluster deployment.
3. Available Solvers
Choose solver based on physical problem:
2D Navier-Stokes (ns2d): 2D turbulence, vortex dynamics
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.solver import Simul
3D Navier-Stokes (ns3d): 3D turbulence, realistic flows
from fluidsim.solvers.ns3d.solver import Simul
Stratified flows (ns2d.strat, ns3d.strat): Oceanic/atmospheric flows
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.strat.solver import Simul
params.N = 1.0 # Brunt-Väisälä frequency
Shallow water (sw1l): Geophysical flows, rotating systems
from fluidsim.solvers.sw1l.solver import Simul
params.f = 1.0 # Coriolis parameter
See references/solvers.md for complete solver list and selection guidance.
4. Parameter Configuration
Parameters are organized hierarchically and accessed via dot notation:
Domain and resolution:
params.oper.nx = 256 # grid points
params.oper.Lx = 2 * pi # domain size
Physical parameters:
params.nu_2 = 1e-3 # viscosity
params.nu_4 = 0 # hyperviscosity (optional)
Time stepping:
params.time_stepping.t_end = 10.0
params.time_stepping.USE_CFL = True # adaptive time step
params.time_stepping.CFL = 0.5
Initial conditions:
params.init_fields.type = "noise" # or "dipole", "vortex", "from_file", "in_script"
Output settings:
params.output.periods_save.phys_fields = 1.0 # save every 1.0 time units
params.output.periods_save.spectra = 0.5
params.output.periods_save.spatial_means = 0.1
The Parameters object raises AttributeError for typos, preventing silent configuration errors.
See references/parameters.md for comprehensive parameter documentation.
5. Output and Analysis
FluidSim produces multiple output types automatically saved during simulation:
Physical fields: Velocity, vorticity in HDF5 format
sim.output.phys_fields.plot("vorticity")
sim.output.phys_fields.plot("vx")
Spatial means: Time series of volume-averaged quantities
sim.output.spatial_means.plot()
Spectra: Energy and enstrophy spectra
sim.output.spectra.plot1d()
sim.output.spectra.plot2d()
Load previous simulations:
from fluidsim import load_sim_for_plot
sim = load_sim_for_plot("simulation_dir")
sim.output.phys_fields.plot()
Advanced visualization: Open .h5 files in ParaView or VisIt for 3D visualization.
See references/output_analysis.md for detailed analysis workflows, parametric study analysis, and data export.
6. Advanced Features
Custom forcing: Maintain turbulence or drive specific dynamics
params.forcing.enable = True
params.forcing.type = "tcrandom" # time-correlated random forcing
params.forcing.forcing_rate = 1.0
Custom initial conditions: Define fields in script
params.init_fields.type = "in_script"
sim = Simul(params)
X, Y = sim.oper.get_XY_loc()
vx = sim.state.state_phys.get_var("vx")
vx[:] = sin(X) * cos(Y)
sim.time_stepping.start()
MPI parallelization: Run on multiple processors
mpirun -np 8 python simulation_script.py
Parametric studies: Run multiple simulations with different parameters
for nu in [1e-3, 5e-4, 1e-4]:
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.nu_2 = nu
params.output.sub_directory = f"nu{nu}"
sim = Simul(params)
sim.time_stepping.start()
See references/advanced_features.md for forcing types, custom solvers, cluster submission, and performance optimization.
Common Use Cases
2D Turbulence Study
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.solver import Simul
from math import pi
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = 512
params.oper.Lx = params.oper.Ly = 2 * pi
params.nu_2 = 1e-4
params.time_stepping.t_end = 50.0
params.time_stepping.USE_CFL = True
params.init_fields.type = "noise"
params.output.periods_save.phys_fields = 5.0
params.output.periods_save.spectra = 1.0
sim = Simul(params)
sim.time_stepping.start()
# Analyze energy cascade
sim.output.spectra.plot1d(tmin=30.0, tmax=50.0)
Stratified Flow Simulation
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.strat.solver import Simul
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = 256
params.N = 2.0 # stratification strength
params.nu_2 = 5e-4
params.time_stepping.t_end = 20.0
# Initialize with dense layer
params.init_fields.type = "in_script"
sim = Simul(params)
X, Y = sim.oper.get_XY_loc()
b = sim.state.state_phys.get_var("b")
b[:] = exp(-((X - 3.14)**2 + (Y - 3.14)**2) / 0.5)
sim.state.statephys_from_statespect()
sim.time_stepping.start()
sim.output.phys_fields.plot("b")
High-Resolution 3D Simulation with MPI
from fluidsim.solvers.ns3d.solver import Simul
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = params.oper.nz = 512
params.nu_2 = 1e-5
params.time_stepping.t_end = 10.0
params.init_fields.type = "noise"
sim = Simul(params)
sim.time_stepping.start()
Run with:
mpirun -np 64 python script.py
Taylor-Green Vortex Validation
from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.solver import Simul
import numpy as np
from math import pi
params = Simul.create_default_params()
params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = 128
params.oper.Lx = params.oper.Ly = 2 * pi
params.nu_2 = 1e-3
params.time_stepping.t_end = 10.0
params.init_fields.type = "in_script"
sim = Simul(params)
X, Y = sim.oper.get_XY_loc()
vx = sim.state.state_phys.get_var("vx")
vy = sim.state.state_phys.get_var("vy")
vx[:] = np.sin(X) * np.cos(Y)
vy[:] = -np.cos(X) * np.sin(Y)
sim.state.statephys_from_statespect()
sim.time_stepping.start()
# Validate energy decay
df = sim.output.spatial_means.load()
# Compare with analytical solution
Quick Reference
Import solver: from fluidsim.solvers.ns2d.solver import Simul
Create parameters: params = Simul.create_default_params()
Set resolution: params.oper.nx = params.oper.ny = 256
Set viscosity: params.nu_2 = 1e-3
Set end time: params.time_stepping.t_end = 10.0
Run simulation: sim = Simul(params); sim.time_stepping.start()
Plot results: sim.output.phys_fields.plot("vorticity")
Load simulation: sim = load_sim_for_plot("path/to/sim")
Resources
Documentation: https://fluidsim.readthedocs.io/
Reference files:
references/installation.md: Complete installation instructionsreferences/solvers.md: Available solvers and selection guidereferences/simulation_workflow.md: Detailed workflow examplesreferences/parameters.md: Comprehensive parameter documentationreferences/output_analysis.md: Output types and analysis methodsreferences/advanced_features.md: Forcing, MPI, parametric studies, custom solvers
How to use fluidsim on Cursor
AI-first code editor with Composer
Prerequisites
Before installing skills in Cursor, ensure your development environment meets these requirements:
- ›Cursor installed and configured on your development machine
- ›Node.js version 16.0+ with npm package manager (verify with
node --version) - ›Active project directory or workspace where you want to add fluidsim
Execute installation command
Execute the skills CLI command in your project's root directory to begin installation:
The skills CLI fetches fluidsim from GitHub repository K-Dense Inc./fluidsim and configures it for Cursor.
Select Cursor when prompted
The CLI will show a list of available agents. Use arrow keys to navigate and space to select Cursor:
Verify installation
Confirm successful installation by checking the skill directory location:
Reload or restart Cursor to activate fluidsim. Access the skill through slash commands (e.g., /fluidsim) or your agent's skill management interface.
Security & Verification Notice
We perform automated surface-level scans (Gen AI Scanner, Socket, Snyk) during installation. These checks detect common vulnerabilities but do not guarantee complete security. Always review skill source code and verify the publisher's reputation before production use.
Skills execute code in your development environment. Always verify the publisher's identity, review recent commits, and test in isolated environments before production deployment.
List & Monetize Your Skill
Submit your Claude Code skill and start earning
Use Cases▌
Accelerate Code Development
Use skill to generate boilerplate code, refactor legacy code, and write tests faster
Example
Generate React component with TypeScript types, styled-components, and comprehensive test suite in minutes
Reduce development time by 40-60% for repetitive coding tasks
Code Review Automation
Systematically review code for bugs, security issues, and style violations
Example
Analyze pull requests for common anti-patterns, suggest performance improvements, flag security vulnerabilities
Catch 70%+ of code issues before human review, improve code quality
Debug Complex Issues
Trace errors through stack traces and identify root causes faster
Example
Analyze error logs, suggest probable causes, recommend fixes with code examples
Cut debugging time by 30-50%, especially for unfamiliar codebases
Learn New Technologies
Get explanations, examples, and best practices for unfamiliar frameworks
Example
Understand Next.js app router, learn Rust ownership, grasp Kubernetes concepts with practical examples
Accelerate learning curve by 2-3x, reduce onboarding time for new tech stacks
Implementation Guide▌
Prerequisites
- ›Claude Desktop or compatible AI client with skill installation support
- ›Basic understanding of programming concepts and version control (Git)
- ›Code editor or IDE for testing generated code (VS Code, JetBrains, etc.)
- ›Test environment separate from production for validating skill outputs
Time Estimate
15-30 minutes to install and see first useful output
Installation Steps
- 1.Install the skill using provided installation command
- 2.Verify skill is loaded in Claude Desktop (check ~/.claude/skills directory)
- 3.Test skill with simple prompt: 'Help me review this code snippet'
- 4.Gradually increase complexity: code generation → refactoring → architecture advice
- 5.Review all generated code before committing to repository
- 6.Iterate on prompts to improve output quality and relevance
- 7.Share effective prompts with team for consistency
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Blindly trusting generated code without testing—always run tests and manual review
- ⚠Not providing enough context about your project structure and coding standards
- ⚠Expecting perfection on first generation—iteration and refinement are normal
- ⚠Sharing proprietary code or API keys in prompts—maintain confidentiality
- ⚠Over-relying on skill for critical security or business logic code
- ⚠Skipping documentation of why AI-generated code was chosen over alternatives
Best Practices▌
✓ Do
- +Always review and test AI-generated code before merging
- +Provide clear context: language, framework, coding standards, constraints
- +Use for boilerplate, tests, docs—areas where mistakes are easily caught
- +Iterate on prompts: start broad, refine with specific requirements
- +Combine AI suggestions with human judgment and domain expertise
- +Document successful prompt patterns for team reuse
- +Keep version control so you can rollback if needed
- +Use skill for learning and exploration, not production-critical features initially
✗ Don't
- −Don't commit AI code without thorough testing and review
- −Don't expose sensitive code, credentials, or proprietary algorithms
- −Don't use for security-critical code (auth, crypto, payments) without expert review
- −Don't skip peer review process just because AI generated it
- −Don't assume code follows your team's conventions—verify
- −Don't let junior developers skip learning fundamentals by relying solely on AI
- −Don't ignore compiler warnings or test failures in generated code
💡 Pro Tips
- ★Describe desired patterns explicitly: 'Use async/await, avoid callbacks'
- ★Ask for alternatives: 'Show 3 approaches to solve this, with tradeoffs'
- ★Request explanations: 'Explain why this approach is better than X'
- ★Use skill for 70% generation + 30% manual refinement for best results
- ★Build a prompt library for common patterns (API endpoints, components, tests)
- ★Pair program with AI: describe problem → review solution → iterate → refine
When to Use This▌
✓ Use When
Use coding skills for boilerplate generation, code reviews, refactoring legacy code, writing tests, learning new frameworks, and debugging non-critical issues. Best for repetitive tasks where errors are easy to catch.
✗ Avoid When
Avoid for production security features (auth, encryption, payment processing), complex business logic requiring deep domain knowledge, performance-critical algorithms, or when learning fundamentals is more valuable than speed.
Learning Path▌
- 1Start with simple tasks: generate functions, write tests, explain code
- 2Progress to code review: analyze PRs, suggest improvements
- 3Advanced: architectural decisions, refactoring strategies, performance optimization
- 4Expert: use for exploring new paradigms, researching best practices, mentoring juniors
Integration▌
- →VS Code
- →JetBrains IDEs
- →Cursor
- →GitHub Copilot
- →Git workflows
Discussion
Product Hunt–style comments (not star reviews)- No comments yet — start the thread.
Ratings
4.5★★★★★39 reviews- ★★★★★Ganesh Mohane· Dec 24, 2024
fluidsim reduced setup friction for our internal harness; good balance of opinion and flexibility.
- ★★★★★Camila Tandon· Dec 24, 2024
Useful defaults in fluidsim — fewer surprises than typical one-off scripts, and it plays nicely with `npx skills` flows.
- ★★★★★Sakura Diallo· Nov 15, 2024
fluidsim has been reliable in day-to-day use. Documentation quality is above average for community skills.
- ★★★★★Sakura Khan· Oct 6, 2024
Solid pick for teams standardizing on skills: fluidsim is focused, and the summary matches what you get after install.
- ★★★★★Sophia Bhatia· Sep 21, 2024
fluidsim fits our agent workflows well — practical, well scoped, and easy to wire into existing repos.
- ★★★★★Yusuf Gill· Sep 17, 2024
Registry listing for fluidsim matched our evaluation — installs cleanly and behaves as described in the markdown.
- ★★★★★Piyush G· Sep 1, 2024
We added fluidsim from the explainx registry; install was straightforward and the SKILL.md answered most questions upfront.
- ★★★★★Ren Zhang· Sep 1, 2024
fluidsim reduced setup friction for our internal harness; good balance of opinion and flexibility.
- ★★★★★Sophia Dixit· Sep 1, 2024
Solid pick for teams standardizing on skills: fluidsim is focused, and the summary matches what you get after install.
- ★★★★★Shikha Mishra· Aug 20, 2024
fluidsim fits our agent workflows well — practical, well scoped, and easy to wire into existing repos.
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