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This page has information about simulators, the building blocks of a Phoenix FD simulation.
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Overview
A simulator is a Phoenix FD object that controls the simulation. It is a non-rendering object in the shape of the grid, within which the simulation takes place.
Phoenix FD includes two types of simulators:
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A FireSmokeSim or LiquidSim simulator is required in order to use Phoenix FD. A PHXSource helper must also be present to specify the emitters for the simulator.
Note: Phoenix FD also includes the Particle Shader | PHXFoam geometry type which is used to shade liquid particles. This component is designed to be used in conjunction with the LiquidSim simulator. While it is a geometry type, PHXFoam is not a simulator.
Creating a Simulator
Both types of simulators are created from Create panel > Geometry > PhoenixFD dropdown.
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To create a simulator, click the FireSmokeSim or LiquidSim button, then draw onscreen as if you are creating a 3ds Max Box. The length, width, and height of the grid are set by the size of the simulator. The grid size can be changed afterward on the simulator object's Modify panel.
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The simulator should contain the object which will emit the fire or liquid, and the area into which the fire or liquid will flow. The simulation will be contained completely inside the grid.
Note that there are other steps you must take beyond creating the simulator in order for the simulation to occur. These steps are described in the Quick Start Guides.