Sunday, December 17, 2023

💥💥💥 What parameters I should control to prepare good quality mesh?

 Preparing a good quality mesh is an important step for any computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or finite element analysis (FEA) simulation. A good quality mesh can improve the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the simulation results. There are several parameters that you should control to prepare a good quality mesh, such as:

- **Cell size**: The cell size is the length of the smallest element in the mesh. A smaller cell size can capture more details of the geometry, but it also increases the computational cost and may cause numerical errors. A larger cell size can reduce the computational cost and avoid errors, but it may also introduce gaps or overlaps between elements that affect the accuracy. Therefore, you should choose an optimal cell size that balances these factors. A common rule of thumb is to use a cell size smaller than half of the gap dimension³.

- **Aspect ratio**: The aspect ratio is the ratio of a cell's longest edge to its shortest edge. A higher aspect ratio means that the cell is more elongated and has less surface area. A lower aspect ratio means that the cell is more square and has more surface area. A higher aspect ratio can improve the accuracy of some simulations, such as those involving thin features or sharp corners, but it may also cause numerical instability or divergence in others. A lower aspect ratio can improve the stability and convergence of some simulations, but it may also reduce the accuracy or introduce errors in others. Therefore, you should choose an optimal aspect ratio that suits your simulation problem and geometry.

- **Non-orthogonality**: The non-orthogonality is the angle between two adjacent cell centers and their shared faces. A higher non-orthogonality means that there is more distortion or misalignment between cells and faces. A lower non-orthogonality means that there is less distortion or misalignment between cells and faces. A higher non-orthogonality can cause numerical instability or divergence in some simulations, especially those involving complex geometries or boundary conditions. A lower non-orthogonality can improve the stability and convergence of some simulations, but it may also reduce the accuracy or introduce errors in others. Therefore, you should choose an optimal non-orthogonality level that minimizes these effects.

- **Volume ratio**: The volume ratio is the ratio of two adjacent cells' volumes. A higher volume ratio means that there is more overlap between cells and less separation between them. A lower volume ratio means that there is less overlap between cells and more separation between them. A higher volume ratio can improve the accuracy of some simulations, such as those involving thin features or sharp corners, but it may also cause numerical instability or divergence in others. A lower volume ratio can improve the stability and convergence of some simulations, but it may also reduce the accuracy or introduce errors in others. Therefore, you should choose an optimal volume ratio level that balances these factors.

These are some of the main parameters that you should control to prepare a good quality mesh for your CFD or FEA simulation. However, there are other factors that may affect your mesh quality as well, such as geometry clean-up⁵, feature removal³, duplicate face elimination³, feature edge addition³, etc., depending on your specific problem domain.

Source: 

(1) 5 Tips And Tricks For A High Quality Meshing Process - Creative Fields. https://cfmesh.com/tips-tricks-for-a-high-quality-meshing-process/.

(2) What is Meshing? |Mesh Generation Overview | Cadence. https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home/explore/what-is-meshing.html.

(3) 5 Tips on How to Create a High-Quality Mesh - SimScale. https://www.simscale.com/blog/tips-high-quality-mesh/.

(4) Mesh Quality | Mesh Visualization Tips | SimScale. https://www.simscale.com/docs/simulation-setup/meshing/mesh-quality/.

(5) Guidelines for good mesh quality - FLOW-3D. https://www.flow3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/simulation-pre-check.pdf.

(6) What is Meshing? |Mesh Generation Overview | Cadence. https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home/explore/what-is-meshing.html.

Can you recommend a good open-source software for meshing?

Sure, I can recommend some good open-source software for meshing. Meshing is the process of creating a discrete representation of a geometry or domain for computational simulations, such as CFD or FEA. There are many factors that affect the quality and performance of a mesh, such as cell size, aspect ratio, non-orthogonality, volume ratio, etc. Therefore, choosing a suitable meshing software depends on your specific problem domain, geometry, and simulation requirements.

Some of the most popular and widely used open-source meshing software are:

- **MeshLab**¹: MeshLab is a system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes. It also offers features for processing raw data produced by 3D digitization tools/devices and for preparing models for 3D printing.

- **Gmsh**²: Gmsh is a 3D finite element mesh generator with a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. It allows you to create parametric models and meshes using a graphical or a command-line interface. It supports various meshing algorithms, such as Delaunay, Voronoi, structured, unstructured, hybrid, etc.

- **Salome**³: Salome is a platform for numerical simulation that integrates various components for geometry modeling, mesh generation, data visualization, and post-processing. It supports various meshing formats, such as CGNS, MED, UNV, etc. It is also python scriptable and contains some gmsh meshing algorithms.

- **MeshKit**⁴: MeshKit is a library for mesh generation that provides a collection of meshing algorithms and tools for various applications, such as reactor geometry, boundary layer, mesh sealing, mesh conversion, etc. It also supports various meshing formats, such as Exodus II, MOAB, etc.

These are some of the best open-source meshing software that I can recommend for you. However, there are other alternatives that you can explore as well, such as snappyHexMesh⁵, TetGen⁶, OpenFOAM⁷, etc. You can also check out some online resources for more information and comparison of different meshing software, such as [Meshing Tools for Open Source CFD: A Practical Point of View](^4^), [Any recommendations for an open-source meshing software please?](^2^), [Meshing Techniques and Tips], etc.

Source: 

(1) MeshLab. https://www.meshlab.net/.

(2) Any recommendations for an opensource meshing software please?. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFD/comments/lo7c98/any_recommendations_for_an_opensource_meshing/.

(3) meshmixer Alternatives: 25+ 3D Modelers & Similar Apps | AlternativeTo. https://alternativeto.net/software/meshmixer/.

(4) Meshing Tools for Open Source CFD: A Practical Point of View. https://cris.vtt.fi/en/publications/meshing-tools-for-open-source-cfd-a-practical-point-of-view.

(5) MeshKit | SIGMA - Argonne National Laboratory. https://sigma.mcs.anl.gov/meshkit-library/.

(6) https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_best_meshing_code_open_source_to_use_with_OpenFoam.

(7)  https://www.salome-platform.org/user-section/about/mesh.

(8) Meshing Tools for Open Source CFD: A Practical Point of View. https://cris.vtt.fi/en/publications/meshing-tools-for-open-source-cfd-a-practical-point-of-view.

(9) Any recommendations for an opensource meshing software please?. https://www.reddit.com/r/CFD/comments/lo7c98/any_recommendations_for_an_opensource_meshing/.

(10) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeshLab.

Can you recommend a good open-source software for CFD simulation?

Sure, I can recommend some good open-source software for CFD simulation. CFD stands for computational fluid dynamics, which is a branch of engineering and physics that uses numerical methods to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flows¹. CFD simulation can be used for various applications, such as aerodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, multiphase flows, etc.

Some of the most popular and widely used open-source CFD software are:

- **OpenFOAM**²: OpenFOAM is a free, open source software for CFD that is distributed under the General Public Licence (GPL). It is based on the finite volume method and supports various types of meshes, solvers, and models. It also has a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. OpenFOAM is suitable for complex and large-scale CFD problems and has a large and active user community.

- **SU2**³: SU2 is a free, open source software for CFD and other physics-based simulations that is distributed under the Lesser GPL (LGPL). It is based on the finite element method and supports various types of meshes, solvers, and models. It also has a Python interface and a graphical user interface. SU2 is mainly focused on aerodynamics and aerospace engineering applications and has a strong academic background.

- **Code_Saturne**⁴: Code_Saturne is a free, open source software for CFD that is distributed under the GNU GPL. It is based on the finite volume method and supports various types of meshes, solvers, and models. It also has a graphical user interface and a Python interface. Code_Saturne is developed by EDF, a French electric utility company, and is mainly used for industrial and environmental CFD problems.

These are some of the best open-source CFD software that I can recommend for you. However, there are other alternatives that you can explore as well, such as FEniCS, Nektar++, PyFR, etc. You can also check out some online resources for more information and comparison of different CFD software, such as [Open-Source CFD Software Packages: Good Enough and Free](^2^), [Simulation of Thermofluids with Open Source Tools](^3^), [CFD Software Comparison Series], etc.

Source: 

(1) OpenFOAM | Free CFD Software | The OpenFOAM Foundation. https://openfoam.org/.

(2) Open-Source CFD Software Packages: Good Enough and Free. https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/open-source-cfd-software-packages-good-enough-and-free.

(3) Simulation of Thermofluids with Open Source Tools. https://www.epc.ed.tum.de/en/tfd/lehre/simulation-of-thermofluids-with-open-source-tools/.

(4) FEATool Multiphysics - Physics Simulation Made Easy. https://www.featool.com/.

(5) Open-Source CFD Software Packages: Good Enough and Free. https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/open-source-cfd-software-packages-good-enough-and-free.

(6) Simulation of Thermofluids with Open Source Tools. https://www.epc.ed.tum.de/en/tfd/lehre/simulation-of-thermofluids-with-open-source-tools/.

Which of these open source cfd software are most user friendly GUI ?

User-friendliness is a subjective criterion that may vary depending on the user's preferences, needs, and expectations. However, based on some general criteria, such as ease of installation, operation, customization, and support, I can try to give you some suggestions for the most user-friendly GUIs among the open source CFD software that I found in my web search.

One of the most popular and widely used open source CFD software is OpenFOAM², which is a free, open source software for CFD that is distributed under the General Public Licence (GPL). It is based on the finite volume method and supports various types of meshes, solvers, and models. It also has a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. OpenFOAM is suitable for complex and large-scale CFD problems and has a large and active user community.

However, OpenFOAM also has a steep learning curve and requires some technical skills to use it effectively. Therefore, some users may prefer to use a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the interaction with the software using graphical elements instead of text files and command lines. This approach significantly reduces the learning curve enabling users to focus on problem-solving and analysis.

One of the GUIs that works natively with OpenFOAM is HELYX-OS³, which is an open-source GUI designed by ENGYS to work natively with the standard OpenFOAM libraries provided by the OpenFOAM Foundation and ESI-OpenCFD. The GUI is intended for academic use and entry-level CFD work, and it is delivered to the public under the GNU General Public License.

HELYX-OS offers a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to import geometry, create mesh, define boundary conditions, parameterize case, run simulation, compute results, post-process data with ParaView or other tools. It also provides features such as automatic mesh refinement or coarsening, parallel computing support, dynamic meshing options, etc.

Another GUI that works with OpenFOAM is SimFlow¹, which is a desktop CFD simulation software for Windows and Linux. SimFlow uses free open-source OpenFOAM libraries while also offering user-friendly GUI as a commercial CFD tool. With SimFlow you can import geometry create mesh define boundary conditions parameterize case run simulation compute results post-process data with ParaView.

SimFlow offers functionalities to handle various phenomena such as compressible flows turbulent flows heat transfer multiphase flows cavitation chemical reactions etc. It also supports various types of meshes solvers models CAD engine post-processor etc.

SimFlow has a free version that allows users to simulate up to 200'000 nodes with 2 processes in parallel or serial mode. It also has a commercial version that offers unlimited nodes processes parallel computing support dynamic meshing options etc.

These are some of the most user-friendly GUIs among the open source CFD software that I can recommend for you. However there are other alternatives that you can explore as well such as FEniCS SU2 PyFR etc You can also check out some online resources for more information comparison of different CFD software such as [Open-Source CFD Software Packages: Good Enough and Free](^2^) [Simulation of Thermofluids with Open Source Tools](^3^) [CFD Software Comparison Series] etc

Source:

(1) OpenFOAM | Free CFD Software | The OpenFOAM Foundation. https://openfoam.org/.

(2) HELYX-OS GUI for OpenFOAM | ENGYS. https://engys.com/products/helyx-os.

(3) CFD Simulation Software | SimFlow CFD: Free Download. https://sim-flow.com/download/cfd-simulation-software/.

(4) OpenFOAM | Free CFD Software | The OpenFOAM Foundation. https://openfoam.org/.

(5) HELYX-OS GUI for OpenFOAM | ENGYS. https://engys.com/products/helyx-os.

(6) OpenFOAM GUI - SimFlow CFD. https://sim-flow.com/openfoam-gui/.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

💥💥💥 What is orthogonal quality of mesh and what is used for ?

 Orthogonal quality is a mesh metric that measures the shape and orientation of the mesh cells. It is calculated by comparing the vectors from the cell centroid to the cell centroid of each adjacent cell, and to each face. The closer these vectors are to be orthogonal (perpendicular) to each other, the higher the orthogonal quality. Orthogonal quality ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 means poor quality and 1 means excellent quality ³.

Orthogonal quality is used for various purposes, such as:

- Assessing the convergence and accuracy of numerical methods, such as finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

- Optimizing the mesh size and shape for different applications and geometries.

- Detecting and correcting errors or defects in the mesh generation process.

Orthogonal quality can be improved by using structured meshes, which have more regular and balanced cell shapes than unstructured meshes. Structured meshes can also reduce the computational cost and time of solving complex problems. Some tools that can help create structured meshes are Multizone or Sweep mesh in ANSYS².

Source:

(1) Mesh Quality | Prescient Technologies. https://www.pre-scient.com/knowledge-center/product-development-by-reverse-engineering/mesh-quality/.

(2) What Are Good Orthogonal Quality Values? - Ansys Learning Forum. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/what-are-good-orthogonal-quality-values/.

(3) Orthogonal Quality in ANSYS Meshing - Illustrated Explanation - ML. https://mechanicalland.com/orthogonal-quality-in-ansys-meshing/.

(4) ANSYS Mesh Metrics Explained - FEA Tips. https://featips.com/2022/11/21/ansys-mesh-metrics-explained/.

Why orthogonal quality is important in cfd analysis ?

Orthogonal quality is important in CFD analysis because it affects the accuracy and stability of the simulation results. Orthogonal quality measures how well the mesh cells are aligned with each other and with the geometry. If the mesh cells are not orthogonal, they can cause numerical errors or instability in the solution process. Therefore, it is desirable to have a high orthogonal quality for CFD simulations.

According to some sources, a good orthogonal quality value for Fluent is above 0.1¹². However, this may vary depending on the problem being solved and the element formulation. Some factors that can influence the orthogonal quality are:

- The shape and size of the mesh cells

- The capture curvature option

- The sweepable part of the geometry

- The meshing tool used

Some tools that can help improve the orthogonal quality are Multizone or Sweep mesh in ANSYS², which can generate structured meshes with more regular and balanced cell shapes. Structured meshes can also reduce the computational cost and time of solving complex problems.

Source: 

(1) Mesh Quality | Mesh Visualization Tips | SimScale. https://www.simscale.com/docs/simulation-setup/meshing/mesh-quality/.

(2) What Are Good Orthogonal Quality Values? - Ansys Learning Forum. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/what-are-good-orthogonal-quality-values/.

(3) finite element - Is mesh orthogonality important for FEM .... https://scicomp.stackexchange.com/questions/37355/is-mesh-orthogonality-important-for-fem.

(4) Determining Mesh Quality and Accuracy Parameters | System Analysis Blog .... https://resources.system-analysis.cadence.com/blog/msa2022-determining-mesh-quality-and-accuracy-parameters.

How do I calculate orthogonal quality of a mesh?

To calculate the orthogonal quality of a mesh, you need to compare the vectors from the cell centroid to the cell centroid of each adjacent cell, and to each face. The closer these vectors are to be orthogonal (perpendicular) to each other, the higher the orthogonal quality. Orthogonal quality ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 means poor quality and 1 means excellent quality ³.


There are different methods and tools that can help you calculate and improve the orthogonal quality of a mesh. For example, you can use MATLAB's meshQuality function ⁴ or ANSYS's Mesh Metrics ⁵ to evaluate the shape and orientation of the mesh cells. You can also use ANSYS's Multizone or Sweep mesh features ² to generate structured meshes with more regular and balanced cell shapes.

Source: 

(1) Mesh Quality | Prescient Technologies. https://www.pre-scient.com/knowledge-center/product-development-by-reverse-engineering/mesh-quality/.

(2) Evaluate shape quality of mesh elements - MATLAB meshQuality - MathWorks. https://www.mathworks.com/help/pde/ug/pde.femesh.meshquality.html.

(3) ANSYS Mesh Metrics Explained - FEA Tips. https://featips.com/2022/11/21/ansys-mesh-metrics-explained/.

(4) Determining Mesh Quality and Accuracy Parameters. https://resources.system-analysis.cadence.com/blog/msa2022-determining-mesh-quality-and-accuracy-parameters.

(5) Lecture 7: Mesh Quality & Advanced Topics - FEA Tips. https://featips.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Mesh-Intro_16.0_L07_Mesh_Quality_and_Advanced_Topics.pdf.

How to improve orthogonal quality of mesh on Ansys Workbench? 

Orthogonal quality of mesh on Ansys Workbench is a measure of how well the mesh cells are aligned with each other and with the geometry. A high orthogonal quality means that the mesh cells are close to perpendicular to each other and to the faces. A low orthogonal quality means that the mesh cells are skewed or distorted, which can affect the accuracy and stability of the simulation results.

There are several ways to improve the orthogonal quality of mesh on Ansys Workbench, such as:

- Using structured meshes, which have more regular and balanced cell shapes than unstructured meshes. Structured meshes can be generated by using the sweep or multizone methods in Ansys Meshing ¹².

- Using inflation layers, which create smooth transitions from the boundary layer to the core mesh. Inflation layers can be applied to the geometry or to the mesh, depending on the mesh method used ³.

- Using mesh controls, such as face sizing, edge sizing, body sizing, sphere of influence, etc. to refine or coarsen the mesh in specific regions or features. Mesh controls can help capture the curvature and details of the geometry and reduce the faceting angles ⁴.

- Using mesh quality metrics, such as skewness, aspect ratio, smoothness, etc. to evaluate and improve the shape and orientation of the mesh cells. Mesh quality metrics can be accessed from the mesh tab or the statistics tab in Ansys Meshing ⁵.

Source: 

(1) How to improve orthogonal quality in ANSYS Meshing?. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/how-to-improve-orthogonal-quality-in-ansys-meshing/.

(2) Suggestions to improve mesh quality - Ansys Learning Forum. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/suggestions-to-improve-mesh-quality/.

(3) Problems with mesh – elements impossible to accomplish Orthogonal Quality. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/problems-with-mesh-elements-impossible-to-accomplish-orthogonal-quality/.

(4) Orthogonal Quality in ANSYS Meshing - Illustrated Explanation - ML. https://mechanicalland.com/orthogonal-quality-in-ansys-meshing/.

(5) Solver-Based Meshing: How To Maintain High-Quality Mesh - Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/blog/solver-based-meshing-how-to-maintain-high-quality-mesh.

(6) https://caeai.com/resources/tips-tricks-hex-brick-meshing-ansys-e-learning.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

💥💥💥 How to create multi zones for meshing in Ansys Fluent ?

Ansys Fluent is a powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that can simulate various fluid phenomena such as turbulence, heat transfer, multiphase flow, and more. One of the features of Ansys Fluent is the ability to create different types of zones for different regions of interest in a geometry. Zones are collections of cells that share the same properties and boundary conditions. You can use zones to simplify the meshing process and reduce the computational cost.

There are different ways to create multi zones for meshing in Ansys Fluent, depending on your geometry and your objectives. Here are some possible methods:

- **Using the Zone Type Manager**: This method allows you to create multiple types of zones from a single geometry, such as solid, fluid, or mixed. You can then assign different properties and boundary conditions to each zone type. To use this method, you need to open the Zone Type Manager from the Meshing menu or by clicking on the Zone Type icon in the toolbar. Then you can select the zone type in the Multiple Types list and choose two or more zones in the Zones of Type list. You can also edit or delete existing zone types from this window³.

- **Using Cell Zone Separation**: This method allows you to separate a single cell zone into multiple zones by using different criteria, such as region name, region number, region type, or region size. You can then assign different properties and boundary conditions to each zone separately. To use this method, you need to open the Cell Zone Separation dialog box from the Meshing menu or by clicking on the Cell Zone Separation icon in the toolbar. Then you can select a cell zone and choose one or more criteria from the Criteria list. You can also edit or delete existing cell zones from this dialog box³.

- **Using Multiblock Meshing**: This method allows you to create multiple cell zones by generating a multiblock mesh that consists of several submeshes connected by faces or edges. You can then allocate different fluids to each submesh and assign different properties and boundary conditions accordingly. To use this method, you need to open the Multiblock Mesh dialog box from the Meshing menu or by clicking on the Multiblock Mesh icon in the toolbar. Then you can select a multiblock mesh option from the Options list and specify one or more submeshes from the Submeshes list³.

- **Using Watertight Geometry Workflow**: This method allows you to create multiple fluid regions with interfaces between them using a watertight geometry workflow that preserves continuity across boundaries. You can then apply share topology options to merge adjacent regions into one cell zone with shared properties and boundary conditions². To use this method, you need to open the Watertight Geometry Workflow dialog box from the Meshing menu or by clicking on the Watertight Geometry Workflow icon in

the toolbar. Then you can select a watertight geometry workflow option from

the Options list and specify one or more regions with interfaces from

the Regions list².

Source: 

(1) ANSYS FLUENT 12.0 User's Guide - 6.8.1 Merging Zones - ENEA. https://www.afs.enea.it/project/neptunius/docs/fluent/html/ug/node203.htm.

(2) Multiple-Cell (fluid) Zone Meshing in Ansys Fluent. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/multiple-cell-fluid-zone-meshing-in-ansys-fluent/.

(3) how to create multiple fluid zones and an interface. https://www.cfd-online.com/Forums/fluent/151383-how-create-multiple-fluid-zones-interface.html.

(4) Contact connection between multiple surfaces - Ansys Learning Forum. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/contact-connection-between-multiple-surfaces/.

What are the advantages of using multi zones?

Using multi zones in Ansys Fluent can have several advantages, depending on your geometry and your objectives. Some of the possible benefits are:

- **Improved mesh quality**: Multi zones can reduce the cell count significantly by creating more efficient and structured meshes that cover the regions of interest. This can improve the accuracy and stability of the simulation⁴.

- **User control**: Multi zones allow you to create different types of zones for different regions, such as solid, fluid, or mixed. You can then assign different properties and boundary conditions to each zone type, such as density, viscosity, pressure, temperature, etc. This gives you more flexibility and control over the simulation³.

- **Boundary condition flexibility**: Multi zones enable you to impose boundary conditions on different regions using different methods, such as wall, inlet/outlet, surface, or volume. You can also use multiple fluid-solid interfaces or multiple fluid-fluid interfaces to model complex flow scenarios².

- **Rendering choices**: Multi zones can provide more choices for rendering the mesh and the flow-field solution by allowing you to select different surfaces for display. You can also use multiblock meshing or watertight geometry workflow to create multiple cell zones with interfaces between them¹.

Source: 

(1) Introduction toIntroduction to ANSYS FLUENT - iMechanica. https://imechanica.org/files/fluent_13.0_lecture03-solver-basics.pdf.

(2) ANSYS FLUENT 12.0 User's Guide - 6.8.1 Merging Zones - ENEA. https://www.afs.enea.it/project/neptunius/docs/fluent/html/ug/node203.htm.

(3) Multiple Zones in Wall Boundary Condition - Ansys Learning Forum. https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/multiple-zones-in-wall-boundary-condition/.

(4) Ansys 2022 R2: What's New in Ansys Fluent Multizone Meshing. https://www.ansys.com/webinars/whats-new-in-ansys-fluent-multizone-meshing.

Can you explain more about watertight geometry workflow?

Sure, I'll be happy to explain more about the watertight geometry workflow in Ansys Fluent. The watertight geometry workflow is a method to create a mesh that is CFD-ready in minutes. It is an intuitive guided workflow that streamlines the whole end-to-end process of importing a watertight or clean CAD geometry, creating a surface mesh, describing the geometry and extracting fluid regions, and generating a complete volume mesh³.

The watertight geometry workflow has several advantages over other methods of meshing, such as:

- It is easy to use and does not require any advanced skills or experience.

- It can handle complex geometries with multiple solids, interfaces, and boundaries.

- It can create high-quality meshes with minimal user intervention and maximum automation.

- It can save time and resources by reducing the number of manual steps and iterations.


The watertight geometry workflow consists of the following steps:

- **Import CAD geometry**: You can import your CAD model into Ansys Fluent using various formats, such as STEP, IGES, STL, etc. You can also use native Fluent files (.pmdb) that are created by Fluent when you import your model for the first time.

- **Create local sizing**: You can optionally add local sizing to your model to control the size of each cell zone. This can help you optimize the mesh quality and reduce the computational cost.

- **Create surface mesh**: You can create a surface mesh for your model using different algorithms, such as adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), multiblock meshing (MBM), or multiblock volume meshing (MBVM). These algorithms can improve the accuracy and stability of the simulation by creating more efficient and structured meshes.

- **Describe geometry**: You can describe your geometry using different tools, such as symmetry planes, symmetry groups, or symmetry operators. These tools can help you identify and define regions of interest in your model that have special properties or boundary conditions.

- **Extract fluid regions**: You can extract fluid regions from your model using different methods, such as capping tools, fluid-solid interfaces (FSI), or fluid-fluid interfaces (FFI). These methods can help you model complex flow scenarios where there are multiple fluids or solid bodies involved.

- **Generate volume mesh**: You can generate a volume mesh for your model using different options, such as automatic volume generation (AVG), manual volume generation (MVG), or hybrid volume generation (HVG). These options can help you create a complete CFD-ready mesh that covers all regions of interest in your model.

Source: 

(1) Fluent: Watertight Geometry Meshing Workflow - Ansys Knowledge. https://ansyskm.ansys.com/forums/topic/fluent-watertight-geometry-meshing-workflow/.

(2) Ansys Fluent Watertight Geometry Workflow | Ansys Webinar. https://www.ansys.com/resource-center/webinar/ansys-fluent-watertight-geometry-workflow.

(3) How to Mesh Watertight CFD Geometry in Ansys Fluent. https://www.ansys.com/blog/watertight-cfd-geometry-ansys-fluent.

(4) Tutorial on Watertight Geometry Workflow | Ansys Courses. https://courses.ansys.com/index.php/courses/workshops/.

(5) How to Mesh with Watertight Geometry Workflow - Lesson 1. https://courses.ansys.com/index.php/courses/user-interface/lessons/how-to-mesh-with-watertight-geometry-workflow-lesson-1/.

💥💥💥 How to check where is the zone with bad orthogonality in Ansys Workbench ?

 Orthogonal quality is a measure of how well the mesh elements are aligned with the geometry. A low orthogonal quality can cause problems in the simulation, such as inaccurate results, convergence issues, or invalid geometry. Here are some steps you can follow to check and improve your mesh quality:


Are in Ansys Fluent functions to improve mesh quality ?

Yes, there are some functions in Ansys Fluent that can help you improve your mesh quality. Mesh quality is a measure of how well the mesh elements are aligned with the geometry and how smooth and regular they are. A good mesh quality can ensure accurate results, convergence, and stability in your simulation.

Some of the functions that you can use to improve your mesh quality are:

These are some of the functions that I found from my web search results. You can learn more about them by watching some video tutorials or reading some online documentation.

How do I use Pinch Control in Ansys Fluent?

Pinch Control is a function in Ansys Fluent that allows you to control the shape of the cells in an existing mesh by using different methods, such as pinching, stretching, or shrinking. You can use this function to modify or simplify your geometry at specific locations12.

To use Pinch Control in Ansys Fluent, you need to follow these steps:

  • First, you need to select the entities that you want to pinch. You can use the selection tools in the Meshing application, such as the box selection tool or the polygon selection tool. You can also use the mouse to drag and select multiple entities.
  • Second, you need to go to Mesh -> Pinch and choose a method from the drop-down menu. The methods are: Pinch, Stretch, and Shrink. Each method has different options that you can adjust according to your needs.
  • Third, you need to click on Apply and then OK. The Meshing application will generate a new mesh that follows the shape of the selected entities. You can view the new mesh by going to Mesh -> View.

You can repeat this process for different regions of your model until you achieve a satisfactory level of mesh quality. You can also use other functions in Ansys Fluent, such as Sweep or Body Sizing, to improve your mesh quality based on your geometry3.

Can you recommend some best practices for meshing?

Sure, I can recommend some best practices for meshing. Meshing is the process of creating a finite representation of a physical domain in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. A good mesh can ensure accurate results, convergence, and stability in your simulation. Here are some tips that I found from my web search results:

I hope this helps you with your problem. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me 😊.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

💥💥💥 What is Ansys Fluent Battery Module and what is used for ?

 Ansys Fluent Battery Module is a software tool that allows users to perform battery modeling and simulation with a focus on electrical, thermal, and electro-thermal coupling¹. It is used for designing and optimizing battery cells, modules, packs, and systems for various applications, such as electric vehicles, consumer products, and renewable energy storage²³. Ansys Fluent Battery Module can help users evaluate tradeoffs between safety, performance, size, cost, and reliability of batteries, as well as reduce project costs and design cycle time¹.

Source:

(1) Battery Modeling and Simulation Software | Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/applications/battery.

(2) Battery Modeling with Ansys Fluent | Ansys Training. https://www.ansys.com/training-center/course-catalog/fluids/battery-modeling-with-ansys-fluent.

(3) Thermal Management of Battery Modules/Pack | Ansys Webinar. https://www.ansys.com/resource-center/webinar/battery-webinar-series-part-2-thermal-management-of-battery-modules-pack.

(4) EV: Advanced Battery simulation using Ansys Fluent. https://elearn.nptel.ac.in/shop/iit-workshops/completed/ev-advanced-battery-simulation-using-ansys-fluent/.

(5) Battery Pack and Module Thermal Simulation Software | Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/applications/battery/pack-and-module-thermal-management.

Can I use Fluent Battery Module for modelling heat loss for geometry build with many layers ?

Yes, you can use Fluent Battery Module for modelling heat loss for geometry build with many layers. Fluent Battery Module can handle complex geometries and different types of heat sources, such as ohmic heat and electrochemical heat¹². You can also use the MSMD battery model in Fluent to simulate the voltage and temperature of a single battery cell under different discharge rates⁴. Fluent Battery Module also supports reduced-order models (ROMs) based on singular value decomposition (SVD) to speed up the simulation of battery thermal management systems³. Fluent Battery Module is a powerful and versatile tool for battery modeling and simulation.

Source: 

(1) SVD-ROM for Battery Thermal Management - Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/content/dam/product/fluids/fluent/svd-rom-for-battery-thermal-management.pdf.

(2) Thermal Simulation of Li-Ion Battery Pack Using ANSYS Fluent. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-33-4176-0_22.

(3) Simulating a Single Battery Cell Using the MSMD Battery Model ... - Rescale. https://rescale.com/documentation/simulating-a-single-battery-cell-using-the-msmd-battery-model-in-ansys-fluent/.

(4) Thermal Simulation Analysis for Power Lithium-Ion Battery Module Based .... https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9332201.

What is the MSMD battery model?

The MSMD battery model, which stands for **multi-scale multi-domain**, is a numerical model that can simulate the discharge behavior, thermal effects, and safety issues of lithium-ion batteries¹². It can account for the complex physics and chemistry of batteries, such as electrochemical reactions, diffusion, heat generation, and thermal runaway³⁴. The MSMD battery model is available in Ansys Fluent Battery Module, a software tool for battery modeling and simulation¹. You can use the MSMD battery model to design and optimize battery cells, modules, packs, and systems for various applications.

Source: 

(1) Simulating a Single Battery Cell Using the MSMD Battery Model ... - Rescale. https://rescale.com/documentation/simulating-a-single-battery-cell-using-the-msmd-battery-model-in-ansys-fluent/.

(2) Lithium-ion Battery Safety Modeling in Ansys Fluent. https://www.ansys.com/resource-center/webinar/lithium-ion-battery-safety-modeling-in-ansys-fluent.

(3) Battery CFD Simulation MSMD and NTGK Models, ANSYS Fluent.. https://www.mr-cfd.com/shop/battery-cfd-simulation-with-msmd-and-ntgk-models-ansys-fluent-cfd-training/.

(4) The discharge behavior of lithium-ion batteries using the Dual .... https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7935915/.

Give me example of Ansys Fluent Battery Module

Sure, I can give you an example of Ansys Fluent Battery Module. Ansys Fluent Battery Module is a software tool that allows users to perform battery modeling and simulation with a focus on electrical, thermal, and electro-thermal coupling¹. One example of using Ansys Fluent Battery Module is to create a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-ready mesh for a battery module using the watertight geometry workflow². This can be used for performing the conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis of the battery module and evaluating its thermal performance. Another example is to use the reduced order model (ROM) approach to simulate the battery system using Ansys Twin Builder³. This can help users to optimize the battery design and reduce the simulation time. These are just some of the examples of using Ansys Fluent Battery Module for battery modeling and simulation. You can find more examples and tutorials on the Ansys website⁴ or the Ansys Learning Forum⁵. 

Source: 

(1) Battery Modeling with Ansys Fluent | Ansys Training. https://www.ansys.com/training-center/course-catalog/fluids/battery-modeling-with-ansys-fluent.

(2) Battery Module Tutorial Using Ansys Fluent Meshing Watertight ... - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEJCNemk2IQ.

(3) Complex Battery System Storage Modeling with Ansys Twin Builder and .... https://fluidcodes.com/software/complex-battery-system-storage-modeling-with-ansys-twin-builder-and-ansys-fluentcase-case-study/.

(4) EV: Advanced Battery simulation using Ansys Fluent. https://elearn.nptel.ac.in/shop/iit-workshops/completed/ev-advanced-battery-simulation-using-ansys-fluent/.

(5) HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES AUTOMATING BATTERY PACK DESIGN - Ansys. https://www.ansys.com/content/dam/product/fluids/fluent/automating-battery-pack-design-aa-v9-i2.pdf.

(6) https://courses.ansys.com/index.php/c.

(7) https://bit.ly/3Eo8esU.

(8) https://bit.ly/32eEcuR.

(9)  https://bit.ly/3qsytK2.

(10) https://bit.ly/3Bbaaow.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

💥💥💥 What are capabilities in PrePoMAX ?

PrePoMAX is an open-source pre and post-processor for the Calculix FEM solver based on a modern user interface to speed up the FEM workflow1. It allows you to import, mesh, define and visualize FEM features using the Calculix solver. It supports various CAD formats, meshing methods, feature definitions and result formats2.


Some of the capabilities of PrePoMAX are:

If you want to learn more about PrePoMAX, you can visit their official website1 or watch some tutorial videos2. You can also download the latest versions of PrePoMAX, the sample models, the meshers and the solver from their download page3.

1: https://prepomax.fs.um.si/ 2: https://prepomax.fs.um.si/downloads/ 3: https://polskiprzemysl.com.pl/cam-cad-cae/darmowy-program-do-analiz-mes/

Can I use PrePoMAX for 2D analysis?

Yes, you can use PrePoMAX for 2D analysis. PrePoMAX supports various 2D finite element types, such as plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric, and membrane elements1. You can also import 2D CAD geometry or mesh files and define the analysis features based on them1.

To perform a 2D analysis in PrePoMAX, you need to follow these steps2:

  • Create a new model and select a 2D model space and unit system.
  • Import or create a 2D geometry for the analysis.
  • Set the mesh parameters and generate a 2D mesh.
  • Define the material properties and assign them to the geometry or mesh.
  • Define the analysis step type and the output requests.
  • Define the constraints, interactions, initial conditions, boundary conditions, and loads for the analysis.
  • Run the analysis and view the results.

You can watch this video tutorial3 to see an example of a 2D analysis of heat transfer in a double-pane window using PrePoMAX.

1: PrePoMax 1.2.1 Manual - UM 2: PrePoMax 3: PrePoMax (CalculiX FEA) - Tutorial 22 - 2D analysis of heat transfer in a double-pane window - YouTube

What is Calculix FEM solver?

Calculix FEM solver is a free and open-source software that can perform linear and non-linear finite element analysis of various physical problems. It can handle static, dynamic, and thermal simulations, as well as eigenvalue and frequency analysis. It uses an input format similar to Abaqus, a commercial FEM software1.

Calculix FEM solver consists of two main components: CCX, which is the solver written by Guido Dhondt, and CGX, which is the pre- and post-processor written by Klaus Wittig. Both programs can be used independently or together, and they run on Unix platforms like Linux and Irix, as well as on MS-Windows1.

Calculix FEM solver can be used with various CAD and meshing tools, such as PrePoMAX, which is an open-source pre and post-processor for Calculix FEM solver based on a modern user interface2. You can also use external CAD interfaces to import geometry from different formats1.

If you want to learn more about Calculix FEM solver, you can visit their official website1 or watch some tutorial videos3. You can also download the latest versions of Calculix FEM solver, the sample models, the meshers and the solver from their download page.

1: http://www.calculix.de/ 2: https://prepomax.fs.um.si/ 3: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxw0xYfZ9Q7J5wQ1Q6X0y6g : http://www.dhondt.de/cgx_2.21.zip

What are difference between Calculix FEM solver and Ansys Mechanical ?

Calculix FEM solver and Ansys Mechanical are both software tools that can perform finite element analysis (FEA) of various physical problems. However, there are some differences between them in terms of features, capabilities, and costs.

Some of the main differences are:

These are some of the main differences between Calculix FEM solver and Ansys Mechanical. However, both software tools have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use may depend on the specific problem, the available resources, and the user’s preference.

1: https://www.reddit.com/r/fea/comments/abx3xd/comparing_calculix_vs_comercial_solvers_help/ 2: https://www.simscale.com/blog/how-to-choose-solvers-for-fem/ 3: https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/solver-workbench-mechanical-vs-fluent/ 4: https://calculix.discourse.group/t/difference-between-ansys-and-calculix/506

What are prons and cons between Ansys Workbench and Calculix ?

Ansys Workbench and Calculix are both software tools that can perform finite element analysis (FEA) of various physical problems. However, there are some pros and cons between them in terms of features, capabilities, and costs.

Some of the pros and cons are:

These are some of the pros and cons between Ansys Workbench and Calculix. However, both software tools have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use may depend on the specific problem, the available resources, and the user’s preference. 

1: https://www.reddit.com/r/fea/comments/abx3xd/comparing_calculix_vs_comercial_solvers_help/ 2: https://www.simscale.com/blog/how-to-choose-solvers-for-fem/ 3: https://forum.ansys.com/forums/topic/solver-workbench-mechanical-vs-fluent/ 4: https://calculix.discourse.group/t/difference-between-ansys-and-calculix/506

Friday, December 8, 2023

💥💥💥 What is FEATool and what is used for ?

FEAtool is a fully integrated simulation platform that allows you to model and simulate coupled physics phenomena, partial differential equations, continuum mechanics, and engineering problems. It offers a customizable and extensible GUI, reproducible simulation results, and one-click export to various formats.

FEAtool can work with different solvers such as OpenFOAM, SU2, and FEniCS. It also supports MATLAB® scripting and toolboxes for optimization and control systems. You can use FEAtool to set up, define, export, and run multiphysics mesh and case files for your simulation needs.

FEAtool is used for a wide range of applications, such as fluid flow, heat transfer, structural mechanics, electromagnetics, acoustics, and more. You can use FEAtool to solve complex engineering problems, design and optimize products, or conduct research and education.

If you want to learn more about how to use FEAtool, you can check out the documentation , the tutorials , or the community forum where you can find more information and support from other users.

How much does FEAtool cost?

FEAtool pricing depends on the license type, the duration, and the technical support option. The license types are personal/hobby, academic/research, and commercial/enterprise. The duration can be either 1 year or perpetual (non-expiring). The technical support can be either community support (public forum) or dedicated developer support1

The web search results also show some examples of FEAtool pricing from different sources. For instance, one source 2 says that the starting price for FEAtool is $203.63 per year, while another source 3 says that the price for FEAtool is $4995.00.

However, these prices may not reflect the current or accurate pricing of FEAtool, as they are based on limited or outdated information. Therefore, I suggest you to contact the official FEAtool website or use their contact form to get more information about their pricing and licensing options.

Can I get FEATool for free?

FEAtool is not available for free, but it has different pricing and licensing options depending on your needs and budget. You can choose between personal/hobby, academic/research, and commercial/enterprise license types, and between 1 year or perpetual (non-expiring) duration. You can also choose between community support (public forum) or dedicated developer support1

However, you can also request a quote or a trial license if you want to try FEAtool before buying it. You can contact the official FEAtool website or use their contact form to get more information about their pricing and licensing options1

What are capabilities of FEATool ?

Can I use FEATool for structural analysis?

Yes, you can use FEATool for structural analysis. FEATool is a software platform for finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics that supports various physics modes, including structural mechanics1

With FEATool, you can model and simulate objects and structures under varying load conditions, such as forces, pressures, temperatures, and displacements. You can also analyze the resulting stresses, strains, deformations, and failure modes12

FEATool has a library of tutorial models and examples for structural mechanics, such as thin plate with hole, cantilever beam, cylindrical pressure vessel, heat induced stress in a brake disc, and fluid-structure interaction. You can access these models from the File > Model Examples and Tutorials menu or from the documentation3

Are OpenFoam and Fenics solvers automatically installed with FEATool?

OpenFOAM and FEniCS solvers are not automatically installed with FEATool, as every system and OS needs specific versions for compatibility. They must be installed separately before using them with FEATool12

You can find the installation instructions for OpenFOAM and FEniCS solvers on their official websites or in the FEATool documentation12

Once you have installed the solvers, you can use them with FEATool by selecting the appropriate solver settings and control panel in the Solve Mode. You can also export and run simulations as MATLAB scripts, or use FEATool as a pre and post-processor for the solvers123

I hope this helps you with your project. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. 😊

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